DomainesInfo.fr talked to ICM Registry about Dot XXX, the new domain ICANN gave them to go-ahead to set up before putting the project on hold at the behest of the US government.
ICM Registry President Stuart Lawley is facing stiff opposition to his proposed new domain, Dot XXX.
Dot XXX is possibly the most controversial new Internet domain in history. No sooner had the proposal for creating a "porn domain" been given a timid nod by ICANN that the US government and others were up in arms and crying foul. The US Department of Commerce went as far as taking the unprecedented (as far as we know) step of asking ICANN to wait before green lighting Dot XXX.
The new domain remains in limbo today, as ICANN attempts to figure out how to handle this very hot potato. Officially, a decision on whether to allow Dot XXX to be launched is "delayed indefinitely". We wondered what impact this was having on the people behind the idea of an Internet domain created for pornography. ICM Registry President and Chairman Stuart Lawley gave us an insight into his company's effort to make Dot XXX a reality.
Can you please clarify the current situation of Dot XXX for us? The ICANN Board resolved on June 1st to instruct the ICANN staff to enter into commercial and Technical Negotiations with ICM to agree a contact for the introduction of Dot XXX, a new Sponsored TLD.
Those negotiations were completed in July and a contract was send to the ICANN board for its anticipated consideration at its August 16th meeting. A few days before that board meeting the US DoC and the Chairman of the ICANN GAC (Government Advisory Committee) wrote to the board expressing some concerns. Given the shortness of time available, ICM requested deferment of consideration of the proposed contract by the ICANN board until the September 15th board call, during which time any concerns could be investigated and examined.
On September 15th ICANN's board met and considered for the first time the contract put forward by the staff. After considering the contract the board voted 11-0 in favour of a resolution instructing the staff to: "discuss possible additional contractual provisions or modifications for inclusion in the Dot XXX Registry Agreement, to ensure that there are effective provisions requiring development and implementation of policies consistent with the principles in the ICM application."
What was your reaction to this at ICM ? This outcome was not unexpected and was similar to what had happened last month to Dot CAT, and our initial discussion with ICANN staff lead us to believe there will be no difficulties reaching agreement in this regard.
What effects have these unexpected delays had on your organisation? The delays are, of course, disappointing. And, unfortunately, the delays have consumed resources that would otherwise have been available to support the International Foundation for Online Responsibility’s commitment to provide programs, tools, and resources to make a difference in the ongoing battle against child pornography and to become a forum for the online adult-entertainment community to communicate and proactively respond to the needs and concerns of the broader Internet community.
We are, though, looking forward to a timely conclusion of the current contract negotiations and the launch of the new domain early next year. Since ICANN’s original resolution to move ahead with the implementation of Dot XXX in June, we have hired several full-time members of staff, and these individuals are busy working on systems and processes for the registry launch. The ICANN approval process has been somewhat of a marathon for all of us, but I believe we have stood the course with a high degree of professionalism, for which I would like to congratulate our staff.
The US govt.'s reaction seems to stem from a genuine worry, among certain people, that Dot XXX will do more harm than good. What can you say to those people to reassure them? Throughout the approval process we have and continue to be aware of the need for all stakeholders to feel that they have had an adequate and meaningful opportunity to express their views, and to know that these views have been carefully considered. Our belief in the importance of ensuring open communication among a diverse set of viewpoints will continue with the establishment of the IFFOR Board of Directors. The IFFOR Board will consist of representatives from the various stakeholders, including child-safety representatives, members of the free speech and civil liberties community, and adult entertainment industry leaders. Through open and collaborative discussions, the Board will develop reasonable and responsible policies, initiatives, and business practices that serve the needs of the online adult-entertainment community, while also promoting the industry’s efforts to make the internet safer for children, parents, and consumers.
Can you give us any details of an eventual sunrise period, what the registration requirements for Dot XXX will be and how much the domains might cost? Details on Prices, eligibility requirements and Intellectual Property protections are contained in the original application will be formally published in due course once the contract has been formally sanctioned by the ICANN Board of Directors.
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