.xxx unleashed! internet porn domain goes live

from news24: A new .xxx domain suffix for adult content sites went live Tuesday, in a move which supporters say will help web surfers easily identify pornography sites. All sites using that suffix will also be monitored to ensure they do not contain hidden computer viruses commonly found on millions of sex sites.

Opponents of the new system, including anti-pornography and religious groups, say the move condones smut, encourages the viewing of pornography and makes it easier for kids to find. Some X-rated entrepreneurs also oppose the move on the grounds that it may eventually force all sexually explicit sites to use the .xxx suffix. Currently porn sites are free to keep their current suffixes, even if they have a .xxx site.

About 100 000 porn sites have already registered for addresses on the new top-level domain, according to Icann, the non-profit organisation which oversees the organisation of the internet. ICM Registry, which is managing the debut for Icann, said it was "the most successful launch of any new sponsored top-level domain".

"The internet is home to a wealth of content, suitable for a wide range of ages and values," the company said in a statement.

"The adult entertainment industry has, and always will, account for a large amount of this content and while it is enjoyed by some, it is not suitable, or of interest, to all internet users. Regardless of your views on adult content, it's here to stay, so let's be adult about it."

3/3 defcon: fascism, fake friends, foia

obama joins critics of nonprofit group that oversees internet;

or, obama & china agree: fascist dictators should control the net*
army of fake social media friends to promote propaganda*
centcom says spy bloggers not 'friending' US targets*
bradley manning charged with 22 new counts, including capital offense*
when westboro won't take no for an answer, anonymous hacks - live!*
chaos as anonymous attacks toilet paper, sweden, itself*
scotus says at&t not exempt from foia*
if watson can win jeopardy, can ibm make cities smarter?*
'minority report'-style shopping? billboard profiles, shows ads tailored to your tastes*

internet porn to get its own red light district as .xxx name approved

from guardian: The internet could soon have its own red light district after the ".xxx" suffix was approved – though pornography companies are not keen to use it.

Icann, the organisation which determines what "top-level domains" (TLDs) such as .com or .uk can be added to the internet announced today that it will begin the process of registering .xxx by making checks on ICM Registry, the company that wants to run the domain and sell registrations.

It marks the closing stages of a 10-year battle by ICM Registry, now run by the British internet entrepreneur Stuart Lawley, to get the .xxx domain set up so that legal pornography sites can be found in a single grouping...

But many pornography companies are unhappy with the idea of a dedicated space online because they expect that as soon as .xxx is implemented, conservative members of the US Congress will lobby to make any sex-related website re-register there and remove itself from other domains such as .com or .org.

That would mean that sex sites could be more easily filtered out from web searches, and lower their revenues. Free speech advocates also worry that sites about topics seen by US conservatives as controversial, such as homosexuality, might also be forced to use the .xxx suffix... 

[T]he .xxx domain is notable for only having ICM Registry, which stands to benefit from every domain name it sells. Lawley says he expects to make $30m (£20m) a year in revenue by selling each .xxx site for $60, and pledges to donate $10 from each sale to child protection initiatives.

defcon 11/19: arms race, web games, cern & biometrics

raytheon to provide cybersecurity across dod networks*
obama said to be close again to naming cybersecurity chief*
place your bets: is cyber czar announcement really near?*
US cyber defenses full of holes*
senate panel: 80% of cyber attacks preventable*
web security company warns of 'cyber arms race'*

icann attendees: america, surrender the root zone file!*
nasa: the moon is a hydrated mistress*
nasa maps mars with child labor web games*
spy agency changes spark mistrust*
scientists hold their breath as cern prepares to fire up*
dhs to take a closer look at infotech spending*
dhs proposes permanent status for biometrics-based traveler program*

11/20 updates:
broken faa computer causing delays across US*
video: computer 'glitch' grounds air traffic*
ebay's $2b sale of skype complete*
al gore entertains the supercomputer troops in portland, oregon*