Our esteemed government told us universal metadata collection was for fighting terrorism. Then, over the Christmas period when the public is disconnected from politics, a sham enquiry was held to open up metadata to civil courts (i.e. for copyright, divorce cases etc).
Needs a bit more than router DNS changes to protect one's self from this. VPN at a minimum. Given our already rubbish speeds, it's really annoying to cop a further speed and latency hit from a VPN (along with the $$$ it costs).
Australians simply don't care about this shit. They've lived in an industrialised colony, with all its rewards, for too long - as long as they're still able to live the good life, who cares what the government gets up to ..
Its a shame, because Australia has, in many ways, a culture that could produce great things. But its still ham-strung by its dependence on colonialist thinking in the halls of power.
Note that the data retention changes that were enacted are mainly applicable to services provided by an ISP itself, such as phone, SMS and email. They explicitly don't cover IP traffic. You can read the text of the amendment here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2015A00039. 187A subsection 4 is pretty clear.
It's certainly worse than not having it but it's nothing like NSA level snooping.
Don't worry this isn't a concerted effort to actually block things. Its a pretty weak effort to go through the motions.
If your tuned into this debate at a federal level there are a vocal bunch of senators bemoaning the Australia tax that our geography puts on us. These guys put out info on how to use vpns and avoid geoblocking and such for the masses.
Best in show example: Adobe software and Game of thrones.
Australians want to work, trade and play in the free first world. And until we get that we'll steal everything that isn't nailed down.
As an Aussie I find this pretty funny. Since they passed the law to make ISPs store your data ( which was a warning shot to piraters from my POV ) not many people's behaviours changed. Ie people still pirated. The difference between simply logging traffic and blocking certain sites means instead of being able to watch what I do, I'll be sign up to a VPN and they won't see any of my traffic. If anything blocking these sites is great as it will force lazy people to use VPNs.
Good work to these guys making it easier to get started.
As an Aussie, I find your lack of distrust over this issue, disturbing. We Australians have a long history of letting government get away with heinous actions; as long as the "she'll be right mate" meme still holds our brains under the tap, we'll never get the right kind of mad required to break the chains of the colony. Honestly, this isn't something to laugh about.
We have a similar situation here in Belgium in terms of blocking the pirating websites. I can not just access tpb as I get a warning that the site is "illegal" and I should not use it.
The thing is that they do not block every domain from which people can torrent and there are plenty of mirrors to choose from.
I agree that it will get more people to use a VPN. But that is, more _tech savvy_ people. I know quite a few people who torrent who do not fall in that category. These people will just look for other websites and will not switch to a VPN unless someone explains them the "point" of it and how to do it.
Wow, I didn't realise this had started. If I go to http://thepiratebay.se I get this message:
Copyright Notice
ACCESS TO THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN DISABLED BECAUSE THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA HAS DETERMINED THAT IT INFRINGES OR FACILITATES THE INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT.
Please access the content you are seeking via licensed sites – www.digitalcontentguide.com.au provides information about many sources of licensed content.
For those that are interested, the blocks were ordered in early December by Australia's Federal Court.
The court was given the powers when the Australian Copyright Act was amended in 2015.
The case was heard over several days, and while it was inevitable that it would order the sites blocked (there was no opposition to the blocking application, as such) - the copyright holders didn't get everything they wanted.
They wanted an injunction that they could effectively add to or amend over time (such as when mirror sites pop up), but the Federal Court didn't go that far. The blocking orders require a certain level of oversight.
It seems that new domains will require either a new case, or another affidavit to be filed. We're yet to see what the process will be.
Also there's a multi year timer on the domains that are blocked. Rights holders will need to file an application to keep the blocks in place.
Many people have discovered the blocks aren't really that effective. It seems for many ISPs a simple DNS change will get around it. The court didn't order a specific technical means to achieve the blocks, leaving it up to ISPs to choose. They've obviously chosen methods which aren't all that effective.
Additionally, the copyright holders were ordered to pay costs incurred by the ISPs in implementing the block.
I think the case was a good balance between upholding the law and making it clear that it wouldn't be a system over which the copyright holders have total control.
This is a world wide issue in the free world at this point, but Australia is stuck in the 90's when it comes to the internet.
We have some business there and find everything about Australia ridiculous: ISP monopoly; hosting costs; licensing and internet related law... We ended up hosting in Singapore to serve our Australia needs.
I'm Australian, and I decided 3 decades ago to not live there any more, because of what I saw was happening with the Internet and the way the country was crippling itself in comparison with the rest of the world. No amount of cheap plastic shit from China can keep me interested in a country so self-absorbed, and at the same time so utterly ignorant of the clear repression holding the nation back.
Speed is the biggest thing Oz needs. I lived there for a year and the speeds and latency are wel below what you would expect for a country of it's stature.
I've helped a half-dozen friends and family members in the past couple of weeks fix their net filtering. I usually do it by logging into their routers and setting their DNS servers to OpenDNS or Google.
A few things i've noticed. Most people don't know this is something that can be fixed. I think that will change in the same way adblocking has spread (ublock is a well-known brand amongst my non-tech family and friends).
Second is that the DNS change will likely only be a temporary solution for this first stage of blocks. It is only a matter of time before more sophisticated blocks are put in place - and there are other methods mandated by the law available after DNS filtering (including IP blocks)
I've also noticed an irony in this situation. The Australian government passed legislation for the copyright protection internet filtering at around the same time they passed their ISP level metadata retention laws.
The irony is that because of the copyright blocks Australians are seeking and learning about solutions such as Tor and VPN's, which make the second set of metadata retention laws less effective.
One of the positive side effects of the laws is that it doesn't address the demand for content (Australians are well known pirates) and users will seek out workarounds which will have the effect of increasing awareness of privacy issues and technical workarounds.
I tend to agree with Ed Snowden when he says that solutions to privacy are in encryption and technology - not in politics. Unfortunately governments are going to do what governments do - either in the open, or in secret.
At this point in time, ISP's are just doing DNS redirection. You can get around the restrictions by setting your browser's or router's DNS to Google's on 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
Can someone confirm that this actually works? Seems like a pretty weak attempt at a block if true. I think the real problem is them sniffing your traffic.
> I wish iOS allowed you to change DNS for celluar networks.
Well, from this year you also need a VPN, because all your traffic is logged. I'm looking forward to Comrade "Shared Society" May to force a proper Great Firewall any day now.
I think that government censorshop is bad for free speech.
If you have two dns services one normal and one with blacklisted ip, then you can loop over the domain names in both dns services compare the result and find the blacklist. Easier for reverse dns loopups, but not impossible if you have a list of forward dns names.
My ISP (TPG) is using DNS and IP blocking, had to use a VPN to get around the block. The site mentions DNS as a way to unblock, this doesnt work anymore
this is really a bad news. Yes ok tpb can be used to download pirated content but there's also some content that are not pirated content on the site too. Nobody should be allowed to shutdown site or flag as illegal without true charge. It sad where in 2017 we still live and lose time with people that don't wont go forward and do 5 step back. What next? blocking bitcoin because this ruin the bank economy?
Doesn't matter that much. This move was to deter the mainstream downloaders who have TPB saved as a bookmark and don't know how, or can't be bothered to learn how to access it other ways.
Blocking the "click to download this new release movie" users probably did prevent a few downloads.
Why do they like to call it "censorship" when they just mean "piracy websites"? It's not like they're keeping you from publishing your thoughts about the government and the establishment, you just want to download series for free.
I don't mean to say you shouldn't be able to download your favourite series for free, but please don't use words such as "censorship" that make it look like the gov is threatening to send you to a gulag if you say the prime minister likes golden showers.
Do you understand censorship? This clearly fits within censorship as it's considered politically unacceptable.
censorship, noun:
the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.
[+] [-] gravelc|9 years ago|reply
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-05/telco-industry-pushes-...
Our esteemed government told us universal metadata collection was for fighting terrorism. Then, over the Christmas period when the public is disconnected from politics, a sham enquiry was held to open up metadata to civil courts (i.e. for copyright, divorce cases etc).
Needs a bit more than router DNS changes to protect one's self from this. VPN at a minimum. Given our already rubbish speeds, it's really annoying to cop a further speed and latency hit from a VPN (along with the $$$ it costs).
[+] [-] mmjaa|9 years ago|reply
Its a shame, because Australia has, in many ways, a culture that could produce great things. But its still ham-strung by its dependence on colonialist thinking in the halls of power.
[+] [-] Veratyr|9 years ago|reply
It's certainly worse than not having it but it's nothing like NSA level snooping.
[+] [-] Untit1ed|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] LordKano|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] secoif|9 years ago|reply
If only the government was equally motivated to remedy injustices incurred by those who aren't already filthy rich.
[+] [-] gonzo41|9 years ago|reply
If your tuned into this debate at a federal level there are a vocal bunch of senators bemoaning the Australia tax that our geography puts on us. These guys put out info on how to use vpns and avoid geoblocking and such for the masses.
Best in show example: Adobe software and Game of thrones.
Australians want to work, trade and play in the free first world. And until we get that we'll steal everything that isn't nailed down.
[+] [-] gtirloni|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] adentranter|9 years ago|reply
Good work to these guys making it easier to get started.
[+] [-] mmjaa|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] TheSpiceIsLife|9 years ago|reply
Don't even need to go to that much effort because this is DNS level blocking. Using openDNS[1] or Google's DNS 8.8.8.8 will work.
1. https://www.opendns.com/setupguide/
[+] [-] Insanity|9 years ago|reply
The thing is that they do not block every domain from which people can torrent and there are plenty of mirrors to choose from.
I agree that it will get more people to use a VPN. But that is, more _tech savvy_ people. I know quite a few people who torrent who do not fall in that category. These people will just look for other websites and will not switch to a VPN unless someone explains them the "point" of it and how to do it.
[+] [-] kristianp|9 years ago|reply
Copyright Notice ACCESS TO THIS WEBSITE HAS BEEN DISABLED BECAUSE THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA HAS DETERMINED THAT IT INFRINGES OR FACILITATES THE INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT.
Please access the content you are seeking via licensed sites – www.digitalcontentguide.com.au provides information about many sources of licensed content.
[+] [-] dan1234|9 years ago|reply
"Access to the websites listed on this page has been blocked pursuant to orders of the high court.
More information can be found at www.ukispcourtorders.co.uk”
They do at least tell you which organisation applied for the blocking order at http://www.ukispcourtorders.co.uk
[+] [-] psybin|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dublinben|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] blowski|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] skissane|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] captn3m0|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] coffeecheque|9 years ago|reply
The court was given the powers when the Australian Copyright Act was amended in 2015.
The case was heard over several days, and while it was inevitable that it would order the sites blocked (there was no opposition to the blocking application, as such) - the copyright holders didn't get everything they wanted.
They wanted an injunction that they could effectively add to or amend over time (such as when mirror sites pop up), but the Federal Court didn't go that far. The blocking orders require a certain level of oversight.
It seems that new domains will require either a new case, or another affidavit to be filed. We're yet to see what the process will be.
Also there's a multi year timer on the domains that are blocked. Rights holders will need to file an application to keep the blocks in place.
Many people have discovered the blocks aren't really that effective. It seems for many ISPs a simple DNS change will get around it. The court didn't order a specific technical means to achieve the blocks, leaving it up to ISPs to choose. They've obviously chosen methods which aren't all that effective.
[+] [-] predakanga|9 years ago|reply
I think the case was a good balance between upholding the law and making it clear that it wouldn't be a system over which the copyright holders have total control.
[+] [-] joaodlf|9 years ago|reply
We have some business there and find everything about Australia ridiculous: ISP monopoly; hosting costs; licensing and internet related law... We ended up hosting in Singapore to serve our Australia needs.
AU needs a major revamp on everything internet.
[+] [-] mmjaa|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] joshontheweb|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] nikcub|9 years ago|reply
A few things i've noticed. Most people don't know this is something that can be fixed. I think that will change in the same way adblocking has spread (ublock is a well-known brand amongst my non-tech family and friends).
Second is that the DNS change will likely only be a temporary solution for this first stage of blocks. It is only a matter of time before more sophisticated blocks are put in place - and there are other methods mandated by the law available after DNS filtering (including IP blocks)
I've also noticed an irony in this situation. The Australian government passed legislation for the copyright protection internet filtering at around the same time they passed their ISP level metadata retention laws.
The irony is that because of the copyright blocks Australians are seeking and learning about solutions such as Tor and VPN's, which make the second set of metadata retention laws less effective.
One of the positive side effects of the laws is that it doesn't address the demand for content (Australians are well known pirates) and users will seek out workarounds which will have the effect of increasing awareness of privacy issues and technical workarounds.
I tend to agree with Ed Snowden when he says that solutions to privacy are in encryption and technology - not in politics. Unfortunately governments are going to do what governments do - either in the open, or in secret.
[+] [-] nness|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] HappyTypist|9 years ago|reply
I wish iOS allowed you to change DNS for celluar networks.
[+] [-] secoif|9 years ago|reply
> I wish iOS allowed you to change DNS for celluar networks.
Are you torrenting from your iPhone?
[+] [-] dwightgunning|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] gszathmari|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] waterhouse23|9 years ago|reply
I'm quite surprised that they've gone down the DNS based filtering route. I'd expect that to change in a few years time.
I recommend investing in a VPN service. They're relatively cheap. And if you pick the right one, the bandwidth is generally pretty good.
[+] [-] dwightgunning|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] blowski|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] firmgently|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] toyg|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] acd|9 years ago|reply
If you have two dns services one normal and one with blacklisted ip, then you can loop over the domain names in both dns services compare the result and find the blacklist. Easier for reverse dns loopups, but not impossible if you have a list of forward dns names.
[+] [-] rodgerd|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] aussieguy123|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] RangerScience|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] madshiva|9 years ago|reply
[+] [-] exodust|9 years ago|reply
Blocking the "click to download this new release movie" users probably did prevent a few downloads.
[+] [-] akjainaj|9 years ago|reply
I don't mean to say you shouldn't be able to download your favourite series for free, but please don't use words such as "censorship" that make it look like the gov is threatening to send you to a gulag if you say the prime minister likes golden showers.
[+] [-] nickonline|9 years ago|reply
censorship, noun: the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, etc. that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.
[+] [-] unknown|9 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] jazoom|9 years ago|reply