After reversing its 2007 decision to avoid an .xxx suffix for porn sites, the Internet Corp. for Assigned Names and Numbers approved the distinction in a 9-3 vote — with four abstentions — of the board that went against the ICANN Government Advisory Committee’s advice.

Wired reports the adult industry and free speech advocates both oppose the development, which they feel could lead the way to easier censorship online. The suffix is not required, and adult sites will need to pay to secure additional URLs from ICM Registry to protect their online brands.

Wrote a Free Speech Coalition honcho:

“Of course we are disappointed but we are not surprised by the ICANN Board’s decision. As voiced in concerns by speakers at this very conference, the ICANN Board has dangerously undervalued the input from governments worldwide. Worse, they have disregarded overwhelming outpouring of opposition from the adult entertainment industry — the supposed sponsorship community — dismissing the interests of free speech on the Internet.”

What do you think are the advantages or disadvantages of .xxx?

ICANN Approves .XXX Red-Light District For The Internet [Wired]

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