Topic: Wacky Laws

[Xessive]

In this edition of Wacky Laws Belarus attempts to bar use of foreign websites.

Belarus is a small Eastern-European country that borders Russia. This former Soviet Bloc state is known for its breathtaking architecture, turbulent politics, and now for its effort to outlaw most of the Internet. A new law set to go into effect on January 6th would make it illegal for citizens and residents of Belarus to access domains or services based outside the nation.

I thought things were strict where I am but after reading this I'm just gonna count my blessings and be grateful for what I have!

[Cobra951]

That's not just restrictive.  It's unworkable.  That would make it just about impossible to do anything on the internet. 

[Xessive]

That's not just restrictive.  It's unworkable.  That would make it just about impossible to do anything on the internet. 

It's insane! It's basically a law that says the internet is illegal in Belarus.

I'm curious to know the reason behind such a proposition.

[Cobra951]

I'm curious about the particulars.  I can't believe anyone would enact such a law if they had the slightest clue about the terminal consequences.  Is it really no access to foreign domains at all, even if the local sites have access to foreign sites embedded within their pages?  What about search engines?  Windows support?  I mean, think about it.  Unworkable, if it's as cut and dry as what you posted.

[scottws]

That's not just restrictive.  It's unworkable.  That would make it just about impossible to do anything on the internet. 

Yeah, how do they contact the root domain DNS servers?  As far as I know, none of those are in Belarus.  Maybe the .by one is and I guess if this goes into effect then that's all they will need.

[Cools!]

I have no idea how that's going to work out, then again it's Belarus. I think the main "goal" is to force all companies to use local services and switch all their domains to .by, etc.

[iPPi]

There are probably loopholes and exceptions for corporate entities.