MCMC to quarantine rather than block websites with minimal prohibited content

MCMC said DNS redirection is required to protect vulnerable groups from harmful online content. — MCMC

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said that it’s planning to “quarantine” rather than block websites with only a “small” amount of prohibited content.

The website owner will be notified of the specific violations and given the opportunity to address them. While quarantined, the websites will remain inaccessible, but access will be restored once the offence is rectified, without the need to file a formal appeal.

However, websites that have been blocked and believe the decision was unfair can appeal to an independent MCMC Appeals Tribunal, chaired by a high court judge, to ensure fairness.

The time required to resolve an appeal will vary case by case, it said, adding that requests from platforms that primarily distribute prohibited content such as pornography or offer online gambling will not be entertained.

It said websites are only blocked when they are found to host malicious or unlawful content, such as online gambling, pornography, copyright infringements, scam and phishing.

MCMC also claimed that as it’s committed to being transparent in blocking unlawful or malicious websites, it is considering displaying the reason for each site being blocked.

It also encouraged users to report any difficulties in accessing legitimate websites directly to their respective Internet Service Providers (ISPs) so the issue can be addressed promptly.

According to MCMC, other government agencies are also able to submit website block requests when an infraction falls under their jurisdiction.

It was reported last Friday that the art portfolio showcase website Artstation.com had been blocked. It was later revealed in an X (formerly Twitter) post by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil that the request came from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) over copyright infringement.

During a press briefing today (Sept 7), the agency also refuted claims that the move to implement DNS (Domain Name System) redirection was “draconian”, describing it as a misconception. MCMC had instructed all Malaysian Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to implement public DNS redirection by Sept 30.

It said that the measure was intended to protect vulnerable groups from harmful online content.

"MCMC remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure online environment in Malaysia, balancing the protection of Internet users with the need for seamless access to legitimate online content," it said.

DNS redirection will affect those using public DNS services, such as Google's DNS (8.8.8.8 or 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare's DNS (1.1.1.1 or 1.0.0.1), to bypass government blocks on certain websites.

However, with DNS redirection, requests to access these websites are rerouted to the DNS servers of a local service provider, effectively blocking access to the intended sites.

MCMC also assured that it would not block the download and use of virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs are a privacy tool commonly used to prevent tracking on the Internet.

MCMC reported that from 2018 to Aug 1, 2024, a total of 24,277 websites were blocked. Of these, 39% were related to gambling, 31% to obscene or pornographic content, 14% to copyright infringement, 12% to other harmful activities such as the sale of narcotics or weapons, 2% to prostitution, and 2% to unlawful investments or scams.