Microsoft has reserved office.adult and office.porn domain names. This follows the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) releasing a new set of top line domains (TLDs), including .sucks, .porn and .adult.
The new web addresses go on sale to the public on 1 June but select brands and celebrities have been given the opportunity to purchase domains ahead of time.
Domains are priced at £66, but can cost up to £1,674.
Many organisations will be eager to secure these domains before they are snapped up by others wishing to associate their brand name with negative messages.
Stefano Maruzzi, VP EMEA of internet domain registrar and web hosting company GoDaddy, warned brands: “For traditional corporate brands, new domain name extensions such as .London and .club are another addition to the ever evolving ‘digital identity toolbox’, giving them the opportunity to carve out, and protect, their own distinct digital presence. That’s why, for new businesses in particular, we always stress the importance of choosing and registering your domain name as the first step to going online – it’s as much about creating your brand identity as it is finding your place on the web.
“It’s also why, for some businesses, purchasing additional domains in the manner that the Taylor Swifts and Richard Bransons of the world have now done might make sense – it allows them to help safeguard against brand appropriation and any undesired side effects associated with this.”
Those who want to keep an eye on all of new TLDs being released and applied for can do so on the ICANN website.
