Malaysia just reversed its controversial decision to block use of public DNS servers using DNS redirection! Here is what you need to know…
Malaysia orders DNS redirection, affecting consumers too!
According to an FAQ posted by Maxis, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has ordered all Internet service providers in Malaysia to implement DNS redirection for businesses, governments, and enterprises by 30 September 2024.
DNS redirection basically blocks the use of public DNS servers, by redirecting DNS queries to the ISP’s own DNS servers, where certain websites can be blocked by government directive. In other words – DNS redirection prevents people from circumventing the ISP’s own DNS servers (and the government’s block list).
The Maxis FAQ, which is titled Maxis Business DNS Redirection, states that ISPs in Malaysia were ordered to implement DNS redirection for business/enterprise/government users, blocking their access to public DNS servers.
However, it now appears that the directive actually applied to everyone in Malaysia, not just business, enterprise, or government users!
Recommended : Did Malaysia just block use of public DNS servers?!
Malaysia reverses DNS Redirection decision!
After news broke that MCMC quietly ordered Internet service providers to implement DNS redirection in Malaysia, there was a public outcry, and people started looking up ways to bypass it.
The public outrage proved too much for the Malaysian government, and it backtracked on that controversial decision. On Sunday, 8 September 2024, Malaysia Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that he asked MCMC not to proceed with its DNS redirection directive.
… considering the feedback received through a series of engagements with @MCMC_RASMI and the public, I have requested that MCMC not proceed with the implementation of the Domain Name System (DNS) management redirection method.
At the same time, MCMC will continue its engagement series with all stakeholders to gather views, suggestions, and recommendations to ensure that the goal of a safer internet can be collectively achieved.
With that, Malaysia officially reversed its DNS Redirection decision within days of the news breaking.
There is no doubt that this reversal was due to many Malaysian netizens who spoke up against the controversial decision to hijack access to public DNS servers. So kudos to everyone who spoke up.
It is encouraging to see that public dissent can still force the government of the day to reverse controversial directives. But perhaps the government can avoid such controversies in the future by getting feedback from the public before quietly issuing controversial directives.
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