ISPs Take Control of Cloudflare and Google Requests, Reinforcing Site Blocks
In Malaysia, internet service providers (ISPs) Maxis and Time have hijacked DNS requests sent to public DNS servers like Cloudflare and Google. This action reinforces site-blocking measures in a way that limits user access to information. This article will explore DNS hijacking, how ISPs are using it to control access, and what this means for internet users.
Overview of DNS Hijacking by ISPs
Internet users rely on a system called the Domain Name System (DNS) to translate a domain name into an IP address. DNS allows people to browse the internet easily. However, some ISPs manipulate this system. They can block access to certain websites by redirecting DNS requests to their own servers, which return incorrect information. This makes it impossible for users to reach the sites they want to visit.
In Malaysia, reports indicate that local ISPs have begun this practice in more aggressive ways. Maxis and Time have redirected requests meant for public servers, like Google’s and Cloudflare’s, back to their own servers. This means any request a user makes for a particular site is instead sent to the ISP’s DNS server, which is programmed to block access to certain websites. For users, this change can be frustrating. A visit to a blocked site results in a connection failure, even when they think they are using a secure, public DNS.
The reports from groups like the Internet Monitoring Action Project (iMAP) show that this practice is not isolated to Malaysia. Globally, various countries have seen similar trends. ISPs in these regions limit user access based on demands from governing bodies or industry groups. As governments push for more site-blocking actions, ISPs comply by taking control of DNS requests.
Impact on Cloudflare and Google DNS
Cloudflare and Google are popular public DNS services because they often provide better speed and fewer restrictions than local ISPs. Under normal circumstances, using these public DNS servers allows users to avoid ISP-imposed blocks. However, the recent changes mean users cannot depend on these services as they once could.
Users who switch to Cloudflare or Google’s DNS servers are now still redirected to the local ISP’s DNS. This defeats the purpose of using these resilient servers in the first place. These trusted platforms, once considered a safe alternative, now become another means of government censorship and ISP control.
Reported Cases and Global Trends
The recent interventions by ISPs in Malaysia highlight a growing trend. Similar reports have emerged from other countries where ISPs redirect DNS queries as part of broader internet control policies. This practice endangers user privacy and freedom of expression.
Transparency regarding these tactics is absent. Most users do not know their DNS requests are being redirected. They remain unaware that their internet experience is being manipulated. As this situation continues worldwide, the threat to open and free internet access becomes more prominent.
Consequences for Internet Users
As ISPs hijack DNS requests, the consequences for users are profound. People face significant challenges as their access to various content is restricted. This unintended impact of site-blocking policies creates a less free environment online.
Loss of Access to Unblocked Content
When users try to reach websites that local ISPs have blocked, they often encounter error messages. Even legal and benign content becomes inaccessible, leading users to alternative methods for obtaining information. This situation frustrates many users who wish to access previously available resources.
The inability to reach legitimate sites due to these blocks stifles learning and information sharing. Users experience a loss of online freedom as ISPs enforce these practices. Entire categories of content become hidden from view.
Privacy Concerns
As ISPs take control of DNS requests, user privacy faces risks. Relying on local servers means ISPs can track each request made by users. This raises questions about surveillance and data collection practices. Many users do not know that their browsing habits are monitored more closely when using an ISP-controlled DNS.
This intrusion into privacy undermines the very essence of online freedom. Users may feel less secure knowing their requested data is available for collection. With each site a user tries to visit, they unknowingly provide information to ISPs shaped by the pressures of censorship and control.
Moreover, the growing trend of DNS hijacking can have a chilling effect on online discourse. Whether genuine concerns over privacy or censorship, users might hesitate to voice opinions or seek information that could be flagged. The fear of being unable to access resources, coupled with a lack of comprehension about their privacy, creates a culture of uncertainty.
