Dealing with nudity on Internet

When we were talking about Internet censorship in article (http://gargasz.info/sociology/index.php/internet-censorship/) we found out that there are projects to develop content-control software, also known as censorware or web filtering software. It would be mainly used by clients themselves on their computers or as additional toolbar for example in internet browser. But recently I came across brilliant little java script called nude.js. Brilliancy of this software is that it can be easily and cheaply used by any website administrator. Including MySpace, Facebook and any image hosting site. Incorporating such script in such websites will automatically prevent people from uploading any inappropriate pictures. Not only will it stop upload of new content, but spread of existing one as well.

If this idea would find large supporter like Microsoft and Google, organizations like those mentioned in to make the Internet safe… article (Office for Internet Safety or hotline.ie), it might benefit in this area a lot.

It is not entirely new idea; works on recognizing faces from images and videos are in progress for few years. Meaning technology allowing automatically recognize if content is nude/porn is possible and quite easy accessible.

If you would take Internet browsers developers (Microsoft, Google, Firefox etc) and force them to include such software in their products, that would be the end. Additionally if every web-hosting provider will have include that software as part of web hosting services, then it would stop internet nudity and pornography, at least in large percentage. As only large x-rated operators are using their own servers that would be easier to arrow them down and keep track of them. So it is idea which CAN put “dirty” aspect of Internet down. Question is who is going to implement and execute such ideas when these “dirty” aspects are generating such profits? Definitely nobody willingly will do that!

And that is how this software works:

http://www.patrick-wied.at/static/nudejs/demo/

Ellie

Now that's sbtule! Great to hear from you.

18 August 11 at 04:34

ICM Registry welcomes approval of .xxx

As I was writing some time ago, ICM Registry took several attempts with ICANN to approve .xxx TopLevelDomain (TLD). Read here.

Now in June 2010 domain extensions .xxx was approved by Internet Governance body ICANN.

“ICM Registry will now work with ICANN staff to complete the expedited due diligence on our technical and financial qualifications and to finalize the contract to run .xxx.

Our expectation is that this step will proceed smoothly and will not impede the roll-out of .xxx and we expect to go live with .xxx domains at the start of 2011, if not sooner. We have 110,000 pre-reservations and expect that number to increase now that ICANN has formally approved our application.”

Read more on ICM Registry website here and ICANN website.

Related articles:

Internet authority approves .xxx domain

For X-Rated, a Domain of Their Own

View all 15 comments

zavattie

This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion. ...

29 October 11 at 00:00

ag

I'm still learning from you, while I'm making my way to the top as well. I certainly enjoy reading all ...

29 October 11 at 07:04

ICANN to reconsider the .xxx domain registry

ICANN announced that it will take into consideration the plan for .xxx adult domain . A spokesman stated that this issue will be discussed on 12 March 2010.

“ICANN will take another look at the proposal and it will be on the agenda at the meeting on Friday.”

ICANN had previously given the domain the go ahead in 2005, but reversed the decision two years later amidst protests from US conservative groups. An independent review recently concluded that decision was unfair and that the plan should be reconsidered.

The ICM Registry sent a letter to ICANN ,explaining the importance of .xxx domain names.

Stuart Lawley,chairman of ICM Registry stated that ” “ICM remains committed to the .xxx project, and is eager to work with ICANN to take the steps necessary to launch the new sponsored top-level domain and, in so doing, ensure that the results of the first-ever ICANN Independent Review Process are fully implemented in accordance with ICANN’s own core values of accountability, transparency and objectivity.”

.XXX domain names will be used only for adult websites.

It is in business terms major even, opening many opportunities for online business. When we look on history of domains such as sex.com where its generated in 1995 25 million hits a day with income from click-throughs and other advertising, reportedly $50,000 to $500,000 per month.

Sex.com was reported sold to Escom LLC in January 2006. At a reported $14 million price, the domain name has widely been cited as the highest priced domain sale.

As of February 18th,2010, the domain name has been ordered to be sold at a foreclosure auction.

Read more about role of ICANN here.

15 of March 2010
Page 78 in below deocument:
http://www.icann.org/en/irp/icm-v-icann/irp-panel-declaration-19feb10-en.pdf

Seems like its not gonna happen this time either…

======================

And there we are, few months after and there seems to be some progress happening. As I was informed by applicant ICM Registry, ICANN case is still in progress.

As per latest report from 26 March 2010 available here ICM Registry is still working to clarify approval process with ICANN. There are many issues highlighted during this process, like for example:

———

ICANN’s decision has important implications for Internet freedom of expression. While a .xxx domain is undeniably controversial, ICANN must guard against becoming a tool of those who wish to discourage or censor certain kinds of legal content. A TLD string should not be rejected simply because some people or some governments object to the types of content that might be associated with it. ICANN’s mandate to coordinate top level domain names cannot and should not become a mechanism for content regulation or censorship.

———

So still no final word in this case. According to information provided by ICM Registry latest requirements appointed by ICANN were rather regarding technical facilities then politics. But there seems to be true on both sides on this disputes. What do you think?