Policy Evolution in Country-Level Internet Blackouts Using DNS

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical infrastructure component of the internet, serving as the mechanism that resolves domain names into IP addresses and enables users to navigate the web. However, its importance extends beyond functionality; it has also become a tool for implementing state-level policies, particularly during periods of political unrest, conflict, or censorship. One of the most controversial uses of DNS is its role in enabling or enforcing country-level internet blackouts. These blackouts, where entire populations are denied access to the internet or specific portions of it, have evolved significantly in both their implementation and their policy frameworks over the years. The dynamics of these blackouts raise complex questions about sovereignty, security, human rights, and the role of the global internet community.

Country-level internet blackouts often involve the manipulation of DNS to disrupt connectivity, block access to certain websites, or control the flow of information. DNS is a natural target for such efforts due to its pivotal role in internet functionality. Governments or state actors may direct local internet service providers (ISPs) to block DNS queries to specific domains or redirect them to alternative servers to display state-approved content. In more extreme cases, DNS infrastructure itself is rendered inoperative, effectively severing access to the global internet for an entire country or region.

The evolution of policies enabling DNS-based internet blackouts has been shaped by technological advances, geopolitical considerations, and the increasing integration of the internet into daily life. In earlier instances of such blackouts, governments primarily relied on crude and reactive methods, such as directing ISPs to block access to international DNS resolvers or disabling DNS servers entirely. These approaches were often blunt and indiscriminate, leading to widespread disruption and drawing significant international criticism.

As technology advanced, the mechanisms for implementing DNS-based blackouts became more sophisticated. Governments began employing more targeted strategies, leveraging deep packet inspection (DPI) to block specific DNS queries while leaving the rest of the system operational. This shift reduced the collateral damage of blackouts, enabling states to isolate and suppress specific content or platforms rather than cutting off entire regions. At the same time, it allowed governments to maintain greater control over the narrative by selectively filtering what information citizens could access.

The evolution of these policies also reflects a growing awareness of the global implications of internet blackouts. While states often justify such actions as necessary for maintaining public order, combating misinformation, or protecting national security, the consequences extend far beyond national borders. Disrupting DNS at a country level impacts global networks, businesses, and users, creating ripple effects that compromise the open and interconnected nature of the internet. For example, multinational corporations with operations in blackout-affected countries may experience significant losses due to disruptions in communication and commerce. Similarly, international organizations that rely on the internet for humanitarian efforts may find their work hindered.

As the frequency and sophistication of DNS-based blackouts increased, they began to attract the attention of the international community. Global organizations, human rights advocates, and technical bodies have sought to address these practices through various policy mechanisms. One notable response has been the development of international norms and frameworks that seek to limit the use of internet blackouts while preserving states’ rights to govern their digital spaces. For instance, the United Nations has recognized internet access as a fundamental human right and has repeatedly called on states to refrain from disrupting connectivity, including through DNS-based methods.

Despite these efforts, enforcing norms against internet blackouts remains a significant challenge. The decentralized nature of the internet and the sovereignty of individual states make it difficult to hold actors accountable for DNS-based disruptions. Furthermore, the rise of cyber conflicts and information warfare has introduced new justifications for blackouts, as states argue that controlling DNS infrastructure is necessary to defend against external threats or prevent the spread of harmful content.

DNS-based blackouts also highlight tensions between technological innovation and the ethics of internet governance. Encrypted DNS protocols, such as DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), have complicated efforts to implement blackouts by obscuring DNS traffic and making it harder for authorities to intercept or block queries. While these technologies enhance user privacy and security, they also challenge traditional models of state control over the internet. Policymakers must grapple with the dual-use nature of such technologies, balancing their potential to empower citizens against their potential to undermine national security objectives.

The role of global DNS operators and technical organizations in addressing internet blackouts has also evolved. Organizations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) have emphasized the importance of maintaining the stability and neutrality of the DNS. While these bodies do not directly intervene in state-level policies, they have called for greater transparency and accountability in the use of DNS-based measures. For example, the IETF has developed standards to prevent the misuse of DNS for censorship or surveillance, and ICANN has promoted multistakeholder approaches to internet governance that prioritize openness and inclusivity.

Looking forward, the evolution of policies related to DNS-based blackouts will likely be shaped by several key trends. The growing recognition of internet access as a human right may increase pressure on states to adopt more transparent and accountable practices. At the same time, the geopolitical landscape is becoming more fragmented, with states asserting greater control over their digital domains. This tension underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, private sector actors, technical communities, and civil society.

In conclusion, the policy evolution surrounding DNS-based internet blackouts reflects the broader challenges of governing a global and interconnected internet in an era of increasing polarization and technological complexity. While states may view DNS as a tool for enforcing sovereignty and maintaining security, its misuse for blackouts raises profound ethical and practical questions. Balancing the competing demands of national security, human rights, and global connectivity will require thoughtful and inclusive approaches to DNS policy, ensuring that this critical infrastructure serves the interests of all users while minimizing harm and preserving the open nature of the internet.

The Domain Name System (DNS) is a critical infrastructure component of the internet, serving as the mechanism that resolves domain names into IP addresses and enables users to navigate the web. However, its importance extends beyond functionality; it has also become a tool for implementing state-level policies, particularly during periods of political unrest, conflict, or…