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News about implementing a public Domain Name System (DNS) redirection has been going around lately. In this latest news, Maxis just posted an FAQ to give us a clearer picture of what is going on with redirect DNS and what this means for you.
Before we get started, here's a brief lesson on DNS. On our laptops and PCs, it is a system that turns website URLs (e.g. www.TechNave.com) into numeric IP addresses like 192.0.2.1 (example), this is to locate websites on the Internet. Generally, a public DNS can bypass government blocks on certain websites. However with DNS redirection, websites will be rerouted to the DNS servers of a local service provider, which can block access.
On Maxis' FAQ page, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is requesting all Internet service providers to implement redirecting DNS for businesses, enterprises, and governments by 30 September 2024. Maxis also said Google's (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare's DNS (1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1) will be affected.
By Malaysian law, DNS redirection is meant to block harmful websites such as online gambling, pornography, copyright violations, scams, and other illegal activities. Maxis emphasized that this is important for businesses and government entities, preventing accidental legal breaches.
Maxis stated that by regulations and directions by MCMC, it is "required to report all progress and address any issues that arise". It is also noted that “MCMC will closely monitor and enforce the implementation of DNS redirection to ensure that all Internet service providers comply" with the request.
So far, MCMC has blocked over 10,000 websites for violating the law. 95.7% of blocked websites include online gambling, pornography, copyright infringement, scam or illegal investment and prostitution, which are the five categories.
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