OpenDSN teaches users how to block .XXX

The Domain Name System was developed more than 30 years ago as a way to ensure that the brilliant network we now know as the Internet could scale and see adoption. As an innovator in the DNS space, and the first to introduce the concept of building security directly into the DNS, we're always following changes to the DNS and examining how it will affect you, our users.

Recently, a change was made to the DNS and we wanted to share it with you. ICANN, the global body that oversees the Internet and authors its policies, announced a plan to make two new types of top-level domains available. Current TLDs include .com, .net and .org, among many others. The new TLDs are seemingly designed to help businesses and spur economic activity. One, .xxx, is designated for use by websites that include pornographic content as a way to easily differentiate from non-pornographic sites. The other, generic TLDs or "gTLDs," basically turn any brand or term into its own TLD. For example: .Pepsi, .Apple or .football.

We're closely monitoring the later "gTLDs" for any security threat they could pose in the future, but for now we'll focus on how .xxx TLDs affect you. If you would like to block all .xxx domains on your network, you can follow a few simple steps. Simply head to your dashboard and locate your "always block" list or blacklist. Add "xxx" (without the dot). Hit "add domain" and the change will take effect. To read more about how gTLDs could present a security risk, read Allison's story on the blog and stay tuned right here in the newsletter for updates.