OpenDNS: self-appointed Internet censor?
I use OpenDNS during times when I feel that my ISP’s own DNS server is lagging behind. For example, currently I’m working on a new website, but the domain name hasn’t fully propagated throughout the Internet yet. In simple terms, my ISP still isn’t aware that the domain name already exists. Usually on OpenDNS, this isn’t a problem.
For this, and for blocking out phishing sites and other malicious entities on the Web, I appreciate the value of OpenDNS. Plus, using them really makes surfing the Web a bit faster.
Thing is, why is OpenDNS blocking sites like MySpace and YouTube and labeling them as adult sites? Friendster is also blocked, but without even any explanation at all. Take a look at these screen shots.
Filtering out sites that are very high traffic, such as YouTube, will prove beneficial… that is, to OpenDNS’ system. Their servers won’t have to bear the load of serving resource-hungry Web pages to millions of Internet users. But this filtering, aside from the fact that the labeling is way off, it’s tantamount to censorship.
Of course, I could just stop using OpenDNS.
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David Ulevitch
Monday, 14th April 2008 at 7:50 am
None of those sites are ever blocked by default. You must have turned on a lot of that blocking… If you didn’t, followup with us so we can figure out what’s going on.
Blogie
Monday, 14th April 2008 at 12:33 pm
Hello David. Thanks for taking the time to comment here.
I’m not aware of having blocked any sites at all on my end. I just checked my personal firewall and anti-virus program, and there’s no blockage there.
I’m getting a sinking feeling that it’s my ISP…
Mindanao Bob
Tuesday, 15th April 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hi Blogie – I really believe that this is the local ISP rather than OpenDNS doing it. In my experiences with this problem, there was a big PLDT logo on the screen. Hmm… I just noticed in your photo it only says OpenDNS. Strange. I have had no problems with this since last week when we talked, though.
Blogie
Tuesday, 15th April 2008 at 4:13 pm
Oh no, Bob, this was a different experience. But yes, I this might be the doing of our ISPs. I’m on SmartBro at home. When I access from other sites (for example, Basti’s, which uses Pisolutions), no problem.
I’ve already emailed David above, but no reply yet…
Mindanao Bob
Wednesday, 16th April 2008 at 12:26 pm
If you find out anything, please keep me posted. I am quite interested to learn what is going on here.
Blogie
Wednesday, 16th April 2008 at 1:03 pm
Will do, Bob!
Will Adair
Tuesday, 17th June 2008 at 9:58 pm
Since you are not forced to use opendns.org (it is a free service after all), it is wrong to say they are a “self-appointed Internet censor”. I personally use open-dns at home and at work. You can very easily turn on and off the filters. The default option is generally off. Their filters are far from perfect but work pretty well and they do a great job of blocking annoying pop ups. I work for a business that serves abused, neglected, and at risk children. It is a great DNS service and filter for keeping kids and employees from seeing that which they don’t need to see. All in all I suggest you may want to find another dns service if you think opendns is to restricting. Just a thought.
Blogie
Tuesday, 17th June 2008 at 10:01 pm
Hello Will. Thanks for your thoughts. I must admit, “censor” might be too harsh a label… but I did say I could just stop using the service, didn’t I?