The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has announced a new approach to handling websites with minor prohibited content. Instead of outright blocking such sites, MCMC plans to “quarantine” them, giving site owners the chance to rectify violations before restoring access.
How the Quarantine Process Works
When a website contains only a small amount of prohibited content, the MCMC will notify the site owner about the specific violations. While quarantined, the website will be inaccessible, but once the issue is resolved, access will be restored without requiring a formal appeal.
This method differs from the traditional blocking approach, where entire websites are made unavailable. Sites that are blocked can still appeal the decision to the MCMC Appeals Tribunal, chaired by a high court judge, ensuring fairness. However, websites primarily distributing content like pornography or facilitating online gambling will not have their appeals entertained.
MCMC: Reasons for Blocking and Transparency Measures
Websites are only blocked when they host malicious or unlawful content, such as online gambling, pornography, copyright infringement, scams, and phishing. MCMC stated that they are committed to transparency in their actions and are considering displaying reasons for each blocked website to keep the public informed.
They also urged users to report difficulties in accessing legitimate websites directly to their Internet Service Providers (ISPs) for quicker resolutions. Additionally, other government agencies can request website blocks if infractions fall under their jurisdiction.
Recently, the art portfolio site Artstation.com was blocked after a request from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) due to copyright infringement concerns.
DNS Redirection and Online Safety
During a press briefing on September 7, MCMC refuted claims that their move to implement DNS (Domain Name System) redirection was “draconian.” The commission clarified that the decision aims to protect vulnerable groups from harmful content. MCMC instructed all Malaysian ISPs to implement public DNS redirection by September 30, ensuring users trying to bypass government blocks using public DNS services like Google’s (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1) are rerouted to local DNS servers, effectively blocking access to prohibited sites.
However, MCMC reassured the public that VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), often used to prevent online tracking, will not be blocked.
Since 2018, MCMC has blocked 24,277 websites, with 39% related to online gambling, 31% to obscene or pornographic content, 14% to copyright infringement, 12% to other harmful activities (such as selling narcotics or weapons), 2% to prostitution, and 2% to unlawful investments or scams.
MCMC remains committed to maintaining a balance between protecting users from harmful content while ensuring seamless access to legitimate online platforms.
Pokdepinion: VPNs won’t be blocked, which is good news, but that’s only for now. Who knows what might change somewhere down the road.
