For years, applications have been submitted to ICANN -- the company that certifies top-level domains (TLDs) like .com and .net for use online -- to allow a for porn sites to carry the .xxx suffix. Those applications have historically been denied.

Many have argued that by creating an .xxx domain, it would be easier for schools and other organizations to block access to porn. Last week, ICANN was again considering the .xxx TLD and was expected to let the application move forward in the approval process for the first time.

EWeek reports that ICANN has decided to allow the application for .xxx domains to move forward. After the approval by the ICANN board of directors, the application moves to the ICANN Governmental Advisory Committee. The application could still be denied at this point.

Even if the .xxx TLD is approved, most feel it will have no real impact on the ability to filter or recognize pornographic websites. The problem lies in the fact that there is no way to force the porn industry to adopt the .xxx domain. If the .xxx domain is easier to block by filtering software and if the porn site already has a popular and usable .com address there is no reason that porn sites would move to the new extension.

Donna Rice Hughes, president of Enough is Enough said in a statement, "Expecting pornographers to voluntary give up their successful .com addresses and locate solely on the .xxx domain is both foolish and shortsighted. Arguments presented suggesting that the U.S. Congress will be able to pass a law to require all pornographers to leave the .xxx space would likely not pass, and even if passed, would likely be either struck down in the federal courts or be unenforced. Historically, all attempts by Congress to regulate Internet pornography have not been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court."