Image via Wikipedia
So the time has come in the internet world that demands that we have a new prefix for domains that perhaps should have a certificate 18 attached to them, it has been announced that the domain prefix .XXX will be available in the New Year. This new ‘red light’ suffix will make it easier to find adult material on the web, and also easier to avoid.
So why should you care?
Well imagine if your personal name or brand name was associated in some way to adult material, would you want your company branded with an .XXX domain name as that association might damage your brand name, or personal reputation. So you may want to consider protecting your name.(For example, UK adult star Teresa May might wish to bid for a .xxx domain, whereas UK home secretary Theresa May might consider protecting her name.)
What can you do?
You can protect your name by applying to do so, at a cost of about £100 – £200 depending on where you first purchased your domain name from, this in effect will ‘block’ your domain from ever having a .XXX associatio, if you have an existing adult site, you can also register your interest in applying for a .XXX domain name.
The ICM registry who is managing the launch said it hoped to ‘promote a responsible approach to adult content’. After all the content is already out there, it seems to me this is a sensible option of easily giving you the choice whether you want to view it or not.
You have 48 days left to make it known that you want a .XXX domain or want your brand protected, don’t leave it ’til the last minute!