US seeks delay in .xxx Web domains, citing strong protests

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2005

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States has asked the Internet's regulator to postpone the creation of a new ".xxx" domain for sex-oriented websites, citing an "unprecedented" level of protests.

Michael Gallagher, assistant commerce secretary for communications and information, said in a letter released this week that more time is needed "for these concerns to be voiced and addressed."

Gallagher said his agency "has received nearly 6,000 letters and e-mails from individuals expressing concern about the impact of pornography on families and children" and thus opposing such a designation for websites.

"The volume of correspondence (on the issue) is unprecedented," Gallagher added.

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) had...