xxx domain

["MediawatchUK" <info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear Sir/Madam,
As an organisation operating in the United Kingdom, we are opposed to the 
introduction of an xxx domain.  We understand that such a domain would not be 
required for pornographers and that it would be a voluntary option.  
Accordingly, any filtering system aimed at screening out xxx domains would not 
secure against pornographic imagery.  We also believe that by giving 
pornographic sites an xxx domain they would gain a false legitimacy and we 
believe such exploitative material has no place in any civilised society.  If 
the aim is to rid the Internet of such material an xxx domain would have no 
effect.  Moreover, an xxx domain would enable pornographers to dictate the 
nature of the material they make available on the grounds it has such a domain 
and that only those who want to view pornography would go to sites with xxx 
domains.  We know that youngsters are already accessing hardcore material and 
some teenagers say that they are addicted to such material.  xxx domains would 
make such access much easier in so far as everyone would know where it is.  In 
Britain the Government is on the verge of introducing legislation that will 
make illegal the possession of violent and abusive pornography.  The xxx domain 
would be used by pornographers to frustrate our Government's proposals by 
saying that such material would be available only through xxx domains and only 
to those who pay for it and who want it and know where it can be accessed.  It 
is our opinion, based on statistical analysis, that pornography has done and is 
doing considerable damage to our society and culture, it contributes to family 
breakdown, sexual crime and sexually transmitted infections.  Without doubt it 
militates against common decency and the total community environment.  
Accordingly, we hope very much that ICANN will once again reject the proposal 
for xxx domains.

Regards
   
John C Beyer, Director, mediawatch-uk, 3 Willow House, Kennington Road, 
ASHFORD, Kent, TN24 0NR

Tel: 01233 633936  Fax: 01233 633836  E-mail: info@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   Web: 
www.mediawatchuk.org

mediawatch-uk provides indpendent comment and opinion on media issues, has an 
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