After over a decade since ICM registry lodged its application to ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) for the .xxx extension, the Internet is now close to fully operating adult sites on the new top-level domain (TLD).

A long series of international debates, rejections, resubmissions, reviews and policy questions dot the history of .xxx with Florida-based ICM. It was first proposed in 2000, and has since been resubmitted and approved, but the approval was later reversed due to strong opposition from various politicians, as well as conservative and moralist groups.

It was in ICANN's meeting in Belgium in June 2010 when the board decided to restart the process following an independent panel's review, saying the protocol was not properly observed in the facilitation of .xxx application. In March this year, ICANN's board has finally approved the execution of a registry agreement with ICM, meaning domain name buyers will have an additional extension to choose from on top of .com, .net, etc.

According to Eweek.com, ICM CEO Stuart Lawley has told Bloomberg he projected $200 million annual revenue for the latest addition to TLDs. Brand names and institutions are expected to spend a significant amount of money to take preventive measures and keep malicious buyers from registering their names with the .xxx extension.

As landrush begins for .xxx, it is only a matter of weeks before regular registrants could begin buying .xxx names from registrars like GoDaddy and Network Solutions.

ICM describes the new adult TLD as responsible "signposts" for pornographic material that allow web users to make informed decisions. However, critics see the domain extension as a money-grabbing scheme disguised as a means to block porn and protect children.

ICM Registry began accepting .xxx applications from trademarked companies on September 7. Over 80,000 applications were lodged during the 53-day window, which pleased the ICM leadership.

"There is always a risk with a new top-level domain that you may build it and nobody will come," said Lawley.

Adult entertainment producers without trademarks can apply for .xxx website names for the next 17 days. The TLD's general availability is scheduled on December 6.