This month the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the organization that oversees the majority of the Internet, voted to proceed with the creation of a new web sector, “.xxx.”

The suffix would be reserved for adult Web sites.

The creation of the domain type will be a great way for parents to track the habits of children, a quick way for search engines to locate sites with adult entertainment, an intelligent way for webmasters to distinguish their product from conventional spam sites and a courteous way to categorize sites, a la “.gov,” “.net,” and “.org.”

However, mandating sites with pornographic material to use the new ending is also unconstitutional.

Since the idea of what is or is not pornographic teeters atop a razor-sharp nor clearly defined edge, hindering a company’s choice to use “.com” seems too subjective to enforce.

Even if all newly created pornographic sites are required to use the “.xxx” sector, questions remain about the fate of preexisting sites. Will these sites be allowed to continue with current domain names – which could arguably provide more traffic with a popular domain ending – or will they be required to restructure the sites and undergo a name overhaul?

Critics argue the new categorization is a way to push pornographic sites out of the forefront of Internet users.

Supporters say it is a way for sites to take responsibility for the content provided.

The Northern Star feels it is a bit of both. Yes, it gives an opportunity for adult sites to self-govern and limit the chance children or unsuspecting people will stumble upon the material. But the key word in this instance is “self” govern. It would be illegal and infringe upon a company’s free-speech rights to demand a change.

The willingness for companies to change remains the x-factor, or rather, the “.xxx” factor.

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