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May 15, 2006
The Internet is for pr0n
WSIS has rejected the application for a .xxx sponsored top level domain agreement.
This is not a good decision by WSIS, as I previously noted in an article:
Last June, ICANN approved a proposal to implement the .xxx domain for sexually explicit material, despite the fact that some found it objectionable and the US Department of Commerce said that it would legitimize pornography. It was the only time the government interfered in the implementation of top level domains. The system suffered a dent in its credibility because of this. In general, however, the American authorities have allowed the system to regulate itself.
This shows the open and non-discriminatory nature of the approval process.
The ICANN board was split on the issue.
ICANN has been furiously lobbyed by Christian churches and American authorities. As ICANN has been attack for being the the prolonged hand of the United States government Vinton Cerf's decision to turn his coat might well damage ICANN.
When the contract between ICANN and the US Department of Commerce runs out at the end of 2006, this will certainly resurface as an indication of ICANN's lacking independence.
This will make it easier for countries like China and Iran to start their bid for control again.
What would have been the best solution? Simple to allow it, because the .xxx domain would probably have been used quite little. Even porn business was not that enthusiastic about the .xxx domain with their needs being well cared for by other top domains. Then notion that a top domain level for pornography would increase the amount of smut content on the Net is simply ridiculous. It has managed just fine up until today.
This shows the importance of keeping the Internet decentralized, the ICANN model is still better than the others, but we need to think harder in order to further decentralize the Web, and particularly also defend the freedom of the Internet also in the political arena.
Posted by Waldemar at May 15, 2006 07:47 PM