.XXX domain registrations begin

The adult entertainment industry has been pushed into its own domain, “.XXX”. ICM Registry, the administrators of the launch are opening up the doors to any site which wishes to adopt the .XXX moniker.

Websites can now pre-register or even protect their brands from being registered onto the domain. Those interested in acquiring this top level domain should click through to ICM Registry to sign up. This is the beginning of the process, known as “Sunrise”.

Sunrise A is for securing trademarks and any matching top level domains. Sunrise B, which runs concurrently with Sunrise A is for non-members of adult content websites who are looking to block their brands from being registered with .XXX.

From 8th November the “Landrush” begins. All registered members of adult content websites will be able to secure domains without exception — Landrush has been designed for adult websites which are looking to secure premium domain names.

6 December marks the “General Availability” phase where the remainder of the .XXX domain names will be designated to non-members of the adult website community on a “grab it while it’s hot” basis.

XXX. support is only possible through certain accredited registers. Countries such as Africa who are not included on the list will have to route their domain through one of the registered hosting services.

For businesses, the .XXX websites will benefit from free malware protection from security company McAfee. A brand new micropayment service will also be launched with the .XXX domains and is said to easily integrate with current payment systems for adult websites.

The ICM registry has said that .XXX will act as a clear signpost for adult entertainment and users will now have an exact idea of the nature of the website before they enter it.

For further information, this flowchart and video explain the launch overview process in full detail.