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The members of Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Number (ICANN) approved the addition of the .xxx domain to the ‘generic top level domains’ (gTLDs) , including .com .org .gov , etc recently . There is however a heated debate going on over the implementation of this decision, including whether it should be added to the gTLDs. The proposal had been rejected three times before but in Frburary 2010, a panel of US judges said that ICANN had erred in blocking the approval of the domain name.  They accepted the ruling and began a public consultation process on whether the domain should be approved or not. Finally, the proposal was approved by the board with an 8-3 vote. It was originally proposed as a way of allowing adult content to be easily accessible to those people who wished to access it and those who wished to prevent its access mainly by children, adolescents and employees at their workplace. It is also argued that those accessing adult sites would be assured that the content was safe and authentic, while allowing censorship of the blocked sites. However critics contend that there is no explicit requirement forcing content providers to use the domain rendering the basic reason for the creation of the domain name invalid. There is also the possibility that countries might enact laws forcing adult content providers to use the .xxx domain, leading to problems in the definition of what is ‘adult content’.  Governments or other entities with the ability to censor content might block whole sections of the internet leading to its balkanization, something which goes against its basic founding principle, access of information to everyone. The adult entertainment industry has also opposed the creation of the domain, citing violation of free speech, as the reason. While studios are planning not to take up the xxx domain, they will eventually be forced to, to protect brands and trademarks and avoid confusing people who will be looking for them. The issue has sparked several contentious arguments, with many for and against the implementation of this scheme. Let’s look at some of the arguments. Implementation creates a certain safe zone , so people know what they’re heading towards on clicking a link (to prevent embarrassment like the famous whitehouse.com issue ). While several people have been canvassing for it, many feel that this move will legitimize pornography (several lobbying groups in the United States vehemently oppose this move). The pornography industry feels that this might kill the online porn industry . Note that different countries have different laws against pornography, whereas the internet is a common playing field with most sites just requesting that you certify that you are above the age of 18 and it’s legal to view content in your country. India has been one of the first countries to say that all .xxx domains will be blocked. The Economic Times quoted a senior IT official as saying “India along with many other countries from the Middle East and Indonesia opposed the grant of the domain in the first place, and we would proceed to block the whole domain, as it goes against the IT Act and Indian laws. Though some people have said that segregation is better, and some countries allow it. But for other nations transmission and direct distribution of such content goes against their moral and culture.” This has sparked several discussions on blogs and websites. Reactions like that of India are exactly what the porn industry fears . It will lead to domain specific banning of several websites. Funnily, though, sites which do not have the .xxx domain and still host pornographic content will be studied on a ‘case-by-case’ basis. India is only one of several countries which will go ahead with this action. Is that a smart move? For one, the process to apply for an .xxx domain is voluntary and not mandatory. More so, it’s more expensive (according to AP). Also, content can still be hosted in countries like India on a .in or a .com website. Internet Service Providers Association of India president Rajesh Chharia defended the .xxx domain implementation by commenting “Even cities allow red-light areas. The new domain would make parents and companies easily cordon off such domain access ” Is blocking the domain counterproductive ? Possibly so. But if the Government is aware of pornography being distributed on websites, should it allow it just because they have come clean and publicly hosted themselves on a .xxx domain? India as a country has always flitted around such issues. Morality is an important factor in most public laws, and irrespective of the practicality of situations, our laws always take the higher ground? Should we change? Showcase Your Digital Work Here! Win An Award! Log onto WATAwards Related Posts Porn To Get .XXX Domain – Good For Children? Chief Justice of India : “Block Porn Sites” – Easier Said Than Done? Adult Content Now Censored On SecondLife