One of the things that became a hot conversation for a day or two was related to the implementation of DNS redirection by internet service providers in Malaysia, at the same time leading to various parties expressing dissatisfaction, and discussing this matter on social media. Touching on it, the MCMC or MCMC have shared some things related to it with us today.
Before that, for those of you who don't know about DNS, maybe you can read our previous excerpt about DNS that helps us surf the internet.
Why Is DNS Redirection Implemented?
MCMC said they have been discussing this since the end of last year with telecommunications companies and internet service providers. However, recently, MCMC has set the implementation date to be September 30, 2024.
This DNS redirection is said to be implemented in an effort to protect local users and vulnerable groups from dangerous sites that display pornographic, gambling and illegal content. Steps have been taken to block related websites, but throwing pages under the dangerous category found on the internet makes the MCMC take steps to do this DNS diversion.
So far, according to MCMC's partnership, 70% of the sites whose access is blocked include gambling and porn content, 14% involve content that violates copyright, 2% prostitution content, 2% fraud scam content, and 12% other content that violates Acts include the sale of personal data, the sale of unregistered products and illegal loans.
According to MCMC, they do not monitor any activity or internet traffic. All telcos perform DNS redirection to their own servers, and it is not controlled by MCMC. MCMC is only involved in monitoring.
Why Wasn't It Shared With Users Earlier?
MCMC is aware of this, and should have clearly communicated it to users in advance. The first time MCMC shared about this publicly was last August 2024. MCMC says they will act more transparently and communicate with consumers more clearly moving forward.
Will VPNs Be Blocked?
MCMC will not block VPN services. MCMC emphasizes that this DNS redirection is done in an effort to protect users and vulnerable groups from harmful content.
Will the Government Control Content That "Slams" the Government?
MCMC says no. If any content that violates or is illegal is found on a website, the MCMC will inform and notify the relevant party, and ask the developer of the website to take appropriate action. If content that is considered dangerous and violates the relevant act is not acted upon within the specified time, the MCMC will choose to "quarantine" or block access to the site in question.
MCMC emphasizes that it will notify the owner of the website through the medium of communication found through a particular site. If a site has been blocked from access (because it cannot be contacted or there is no communication information on the site), then relevant parties can contact MCMC to discuss restoring access.
In order to ensure that the Government and MCMC do not abuse their power, any company or party whose website is blocked but found not to be in violation of the law, then the owner of the website can appeal to MCMC. If it continues to be blocked, then the matter can be challenged in tribunals and courts.
Why MCMC Doesn't Display Obstacles Notice Like Before?
MCMC does not provide full information as to why there are no more obstruction notices displayed on a site as before. However, they said they would bring it back to discuss its implementation.
For information, previously if a site was blocked, it would display the SKMM/MCMC block notice, as well as the reason behind it. The absence of the notice makes many people confused about obstacles - although sometimes a website cannot be accessed due to technical factors of the website or internet access.
What About The Effect On Latency Rates For Online Games?
MCMC emphasizes that many online players may worry that it impacts access or latency when playing. Touching on it, MCMC said it should not have any impact, and if there is any problem, users can contact the internet service provider to overcome the problem of latency and network speed.
Why Can Other Agencies Or Ministries Also Do Access Barriers?
As many are aware, the ArtStation website has been blocked from access recently, and it is said that it was not done by the Ministry of Communications, but rather by the Ministry of Defense.
MCMC says any relevant authority or agency can do the obstruction (subject to the act) by contacting the telecommunications provider directly, and informing MCMC about it. This barrier is subject to the existing act (under the relevant agency) that is violated by a site in question, including such as abuse, offering fake / imitation goods and so on. If a site provider finds that it should not be blocked, then it can submit an appeal to the tribunal, and the matter will be reviewed again.
The MCMC also emphasized once again stating that they will contact the owner first before any obstruction is done.
Will Telecommunication Service Provider DNS Server Lists Be Publicly Displayed?
MCMC says all DNS servers are technically verifiable by users. It is not yet shared whether the list of DNS servers by these telecommunication service providers will be shared publicly or otherwise.