The decision by SKMM to block some file sharing websites in Malaysia is rather shocking since under the MSC policy, it was mentioned that no censorship of Internet will be imposed in the country. While SKMM argument is on the copyrights issues, I personally don’t think blocking those sites will help solve it since there are many more fileshare websites out there.
Plus, many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are earning a lot from users’ downloading activities since they charge for higher bandwidth or data usage. What’s the point of encouraging Malaysians to subscribe to high-speed Internet but start controlling what they should DO online? Will other file sharing websites be blocked too? And why don’t censor or block PORN websites instead??
While I am not promoting piracy, I do think there are also a lot of people out there who uses these file sharing websites for other purposes like dissemination of worksheets in schools and materials for learning.
How to ByPass the Block?
There is no ONE definite solution to it, but there are ways that you can try to bypass the block.
CAUTION: This is not encouraging you to bypass the websites at work or in schools and not all tools or websites mentioned here are working appropriately, hence I shall not be held responsible for any damage caused to your computer and rules and regulation that you violate from using these proxies.
1. Use Proxy-Based Apps
There are quite a number of apps that can help you surf blocked sites. You just need to use it when accessing those blocked sites. One that you can try is http://www.ultrareach.net (It’s for IE only though) or hotspotshield.com
2. Use Proxy Servers
Instead of downloading the proxy-based apps, you can in fact try to setup your browser with open proxy servers. Get the free proxy list from here and here and learn how to set up them in Firefox and Chrome. You can also use the Online Proxy servers tool as available here.
3. Use Other DNS Servers (One of the best!)
Instead of using the DNS servers provided by your ISPs, try to use FREE DNS available out there. The famous one is Google’s DNS servers – 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Follow this link on how to use this DNS by Google. You might want to try OpenDNS too (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). For Windows Users, Just double click on your connection icon, go to Properties, locate TCP/IP and double click. You’ll see the DNS settings there.
If you’re using “auto-connect” via a router modem, please change the DNS in your router’s admin page.
4. USE a FREE VPN.
Virtual private network is also another good way to access blocked website. I have compiled some free ones here.
Some people mentioned the use of VPN, what I listed here are FREE methods. If you would like to pay to access the sites, you can try using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. This site provides a rather comprehensive list of VPN services. You can try out BolehVPN as well.
Of course, it might be good to request uploads to other file sharing websites (before they get blocked)! 🙂 Or perhaps BOYCOTT the ISPs!!
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