What is .xxx?
.xxx is one of the older generic TLDs: ICANN records its delegation as April 15, 2011, long before the 2012 expansion.
Under the hood, the root zone points to 6 name servers for .xxx, every one of them reachable over IPv6. The delegation is DNSSEC-signed, so resolvers can verify that answers for .xxx haven't been tampered with on the way. Registration data is published over RDAP and WHOIS (the WHOIS server is whois.nic.xxx).
.xxx FAQ
What does .xxx mean?
.xxx is a generic top-level domain named for the word "xxx", and it's aimed at adult. It doesn't belong to any country.
What is .xxx used for?
.xxx is mostly used for adult. Like most gTLDs, it's a label of intent rather than a guarantee — check the site, not just the ending.
What country is .xxx?
None. .xxx is a generic top-level domain, so it isn't tied to any country.
Who owns the .xxx domain extension?
ICM Registry LLC operates .xxx as its registry, under a registry agreement with ICANN.
When was .xxx created?
.xxx was delegated to the DNS root zone on April 15, 2011.
Is .xxx a valid domain?
Yes. .xxx is an active top-level domain in the DNS root zone, delegated in 2011, so .xxx addresses work in every browser.
Can I buy a .xxx domain?
.xxx names are sold through ICANN-accredited registrars. Some gTLDs restrict who can register, so read ICM Registry LLC's policy if you're unsure.
Is .xxx DNSSEC-signed?
Yes, the root zone holds a DS record for .xxx.
Sources
Data from IANA root zone version 2026102000. Last changed October 14, 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
