ICANN Targets Surfer Redirects

LOS ANGELES — The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is taking a closer look at what domain registrars are doing with visitors who are not finding the website they are looking for.

ICANN recently issued a "new gTLD program explanatory memorandum," entitled "Harms Caused by NXDOMAIN Substitution in Top-level and Other Registry-class Domain Names," to address the issue of domain name registries that redirect users to advertiser's or other partner websites when a surfer attempts to visit a mistyped or non-existent URL.

"ICANN strongly discourages the use of DNS redirection, wildcards, synthesized responses and any other form of NXDOMAIN substitution in new and existing gTLDs and ccTLDs and any other level in the DNS tree for registry-class domain names," the memo finds. "If a gTLD, ccTLD or registry-class domain manager intends to offer a service that depends on NXDOMAIN substitution, it should consult with technical experts (e.g., IAB/IETF, SSAC) on the possible effects of such implementation, and submit the proposal for global public scrutiny before implementing such a service, as appropriate."

ICANN's restrictions target registry-class domain name (RCDN) managers, such as those providing registrations for .com and .net TLDs, as well as those seeking to develop new TLDs such as the adult industry-targeted .XXX initiative.

"Normally if someone wants to make use of a domain, they have to register it (and pay a fee for the right to use it)," stated the ICANN memo. "In the case of NXDOMAIN substitution in a RCDN, the registry would be making use (and perhaps profit) from all or a subset of the uninstantiated domains without having registered or paid for them."

The limitations would reportedly not apply to Internet service providers and others that use similar surfer redirects, instead focusing on the growing arena for new registrars in light of ICANN's plans to expand the array of available top-level domains.

"Since ICANN was founded ten years ago as a not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to coordinating the Internet's addressing system, one of its foundational principles, recognized by the United States and other governments, has been to promote competition in the domain-name marketplace while ensuring Internet security and stability," the ICANN memo states. "The expansion of the generic top-level domains (gTLDs) will allow for more innovation, choice and change to the Internet's addressing system, now represented by 21 gTLDs."

View Document

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out, General Registration Now Open

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Adult Industry Educational, Networking Platform 'Imperfectly You' Launches

Imperfectly You, an educational and networking platform for adult industry workers, has officially launched.

Segpay to Launch News Network for High-Risk Merchants

Segpay has announced that it will launch the Segpay News Network (SNN) on April 15.

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

Show More