NNSquad - Network Neutrality Squad
[ NNSquad ] DNS Redirection: The Plot Thickens
Well, responses continue to arrive from my query regarding DNS redirection/diversion experiences. Frankly, I'm receiving enough conflicting data at this point regarding "non-standard" DNS behavior (for TW, Verizon, and now HughesNet) that really definitive statements regarding any of these will need to wait for a bit at least. A few facets seem clear though. ISPs are rapidly deploying DNS diversion "services" of various forms, sometimes as part of site filtering services, but more often clearly as a monetization tool to divert users to ISP-partnered search sites. The techniques being employed to this end seem to vary significantly, as do opt-out procedures (when the latter are available -- these sometimes involve setting a browser cookie, which of course would not be effective for non-http applications). The ability to set client DNS settings directly to effectively bypass these systems also appears to vary, and this is among the most conflicting of the reports I've received so far on this topic. ISPs also appear to vary widely in their willingness to publicize the extent to which opt-outs are available, and in some cases are seemingly providing incorrect information (e.g. Verizon, who apparently recently removed the most visible pages explaining this, and whose tech support is reportedly providing different callers with wildly different stories about the DNS situation). Also, in all cases that I've learned of so far, these "services" have been implemented on a default, rather than opt-in basis, and there are obviously many confused and upset subscribers attempting to puzzle these issues out for themselves in various public forums. More info to come, as warranted ... --Lauren-- NNSquad Moderator