About .xxx domain
The .xxx domain is a sponsored top-level domain (sTLD) operated by ICM Registry LLC, with the International Foundation for Online Responsibility (IFFOR) serving as its sponsoring organization. It was delegated by ICANN in 2011 following a lengthy application and review process. As a product, it is a specialized domain extension created with a defined community and specific operational policies in mind.
Who can register .xxx domain
Registration for a .xxx domain is restricted to verified members of the adult entertainment community. Applicants must undergo an eligibility verification process, which includes confirming their membership within this community and providing accurate personal details. The registry uses reasonable technological mechanisms to authenticate registrants' identities. All registrants must agree to the IFFOR policies and the Registry-Registrant Agreement.
How to register .xxx domain
- Search for your desired .xxx domain name at an accredited registrar to check its availability and whether it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare pricing and terms from different registrars, noting that some may offer WHOIS privacy or bundled services, while premium domains will have significantly higher fees.
- Complete the checkout process, which will include the eligibility verification step where you must confirm you are part of the adult entertainment community and provide required information.
- Finalize your registration by agreeing to the IFFOR policies and configuring your DNS settings to point the domain to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .xxx domain
The .xxx extension is most commonly used by websites within the adult entertainment industry, including producers, performers, and distributors of explicit content. These entities choose .xxx to clearly signal their site's nature, potentially aiding in user choice and content filtering. Some non-adult entities also register .xxx domains for defensive or marketing purposes, leveraging the extension's connotations for humor or brand protection, though this is less common.
Tips for registering .xxx domain
- Registrants must agree to automated scanning of their sites by the registry to ensure compliance with policies prohibiting child abuse imagery.
- The registry enforces a Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP) to challenge registrations that do not meet community eligibility requirements.
- Premium .xxx domain names are available and have been sold for substantial sums, often through the registry's own allocation process.
- Violations of IFFOR policies, such as attempting to block automated scanning or hosting prohibited content, can result in the domain being suspended.
Frequently asked questions about .xxx domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .xxx domain?
As of today, .xxx domains start from $51.95/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $179.99/yr across 23 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .xxx domains?
NameBeta tracks 23 registrars that support .xxx domain registration, with the cheapest option at $51.95/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .xxx domain?
The registry for .xxx domains is ICM Registry, administered by ICM Registry LLC.
Who can register a .xxx domain?
Registration is restricted to verified members of the adult entertainment community, which includes performers, producers, distributors, and related service providers. During the application process, you must confirm your affiliation with this community and provide accurate personal information for identity verification. The registry operator actively enforces this policy and may suspend domains found to be registered by ineligible parties.
Can I transfer a .xxx domain between registrars?
Transferring a .xxx domain between registrars follows standard ICANN transfer policies but requires that the domain remains compliant with all .xxx-specific eligibility rules. The gaining registrar will typically initiate the process, and you must ensure your contact information is up-to-date to approve the transfer. Note that the domain must not be within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer.
What dispute resolution policies apply to .xxx domains?
In addition to the standard UDRP for trademark disputes, .xxx has a Charter Eligibility Dispute Resolution Procedure (CEDRP) to challenge whether a registrant is part of the sponsored community. There is also a Rapid Evaluation Service (RES) designed to quickly resolve disputes involving adult performers' stage names. These layered policies aim to protect intellectual property and maintain the integrity of the sponsored community.
Are there any content requirements for .xxx websites?
Yes, registrants must agree to specific baseline policies set by IFFOR. This includes using an IFFOR-approved content label on their sites and strictly prohibiting child abuse images. Sites are subject to automated scanning to enforce these rules. Failure to comply with these content requirements can lead to the domain being suspended and reported to relevant authorities.
Can I register a .xxx domain defensively if I'm not in the adult industry?
The registry's policy restricts registration to the adult entertainment community, so defensive registrations by those outside this community are not permitted. The eligibility verification process is designed to screen applicants. However, trademark owners were able to block or register their marks during the sunrise period to prevent cybersquatting.
