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Stuart Lawley, former CEO of ICM Registry, the operator of the .xxx domain, has passed away at the age of 61.
Originally from the UK, Lawley relocated to the United States, where he became a naturalized citizen. He was best known for championing the introduction of the .xxx domain, a top-level domain (TLD) for adult content that was officially launched in 2011. Lawley’s journey was marked by setbacks, including a 2007 ICANN board decision against the domain’s approval by a 9–5 vote, citing concerns about offensive content and unclear international legal implications.
Despite early resistance, Lawley’s persistence paved the way for not only .xxx but also subsequent TLDs such as .adult, .porn, and .sex. Today, around 45,000 .xxx domains are registered, primarily driven by defensive registrations from brand owners seeking to protect their image. Fears that governments might mandate all adult content to move under .xxx never materialized.
Lawley is survived by his mother, sister, and the legacy of transforming the domain industry. He also tragically lost his son, Sabian Lawley, in an unresolved hit-and-run case.
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