Malaysia halts DNS rerouting plans over censorship and digital economy fears
Public criticism prompted Malaysia’s communications minister to withdraw a controversial plan to reroute web traffic through local DNS servers to protect against harmful content.
Malaysia’s communications minister, Fahmi Fadzil, announced on Sunday that he has instructed the communications regulator not to reroute web traffic through local DNS servers, following feedback from public engagement sessions. The proposed directive, set to take effect on September 30, had raised concerns about potential online censorship and harm to Malaysia‘s digital economy.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission defended the measure as a safeguard against malicious content, such as online gambling, phishing, and copyright violations. However, critics argued that the plan would increase censorship and pose cybersecurity risks, such as DNS poisoning.
Assemblyman Syed Ahmad Syed Abdul Rahman Alhadad labelled the directive ‘draconian,’ cautioning it could negatively impact the digital economy, which has seen significant investment from major tech companies. The government has been under growing scrutiny over its regulation of online content since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim came to power in 2022.
Fadzil emphasised the importance of combating online crime and vowed to continue engaging with stakeholders to find balanced solutions for a safer internet while maintaining economic stability.
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