From ab23eec10bd45f494b04366516bb10e47ddbf9b5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Andrew Ridgway Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2025 16:57:24 +1000 Subject: [PATCH] add some headings --- src/content/an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban.md | 6 ++++++ 1 file changed, 6 insertions(+) diff --git a/src/content/an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban.md b/src/content/an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban.md index 64fabef..3510a8f 100644 --- a/src/content/an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban.md +++ b/src/content/an_actual_solution_to_the_social_media_ban.md @@ -19,12 +19,16 @@ So, with the current legislation effectively neutered, what *can* the government The answer lies in a system we’ve been using for decades: the Domain Name System (DNS). Simply put, DNS translates human-readable URLs like [https://blog.aridgwayweb.com](https://blog.aridgwayweb.com) into the corresponding IP address (e.g., x.x.x.x). It’s a foundational component of the internet, and while seemingly simple, it’s incredibly powerful. +## What is DNS? + Most people rely on the DNS provided by their Internet Service Provider (ISP) or the manufacturer of their router. However, it’s possible to change this setting. Popular alternatives include Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, Google’s 8.8.8.8, and paid family-friendly options like OpenDNS. For those with more technical expertise, it’s even possible to run your own DNS server – I personally use Pi-hole to block ads at the network level. This existing infrastructure offers a unique opportunity. The Chinese government has long leveraged DNS as part of its “Great Firewall,” demonstrating its capability for large-scale internet censorship and control. While that application raises obvious concerns, the underlying technology itself isn’t inherently malicious and is a good fit for the purposes of *opt in* age verification. Current DNS +## How can we leverage DNS for age verification? + My proposal is straightforward: the Australian Government could establish a large-scale DNS server within the Communications Department. This server could be configured to redirect requests to specific websites – like Facebook or TikTok – to an internal service that requires some form of authentication or identity verification. Once verified, the request would then be forwarded to the correct IP address. Optional Government DNS @@ -43,4 +47,6 @@ This approach also avoids the need to collect and store sensitive identity data Furthermore, the eSafety Commissioner could easily update the list of websites subject to verification, providing a flexible and responsive system. It wouldn’t cover the entire internet, of course, but it would provide a valuable safety net for those who need it. +## Where to from here? + Now that the government has acknowledged the shortcomings of its initial approach, it’s time to explore real solutions. A government-run, family-friendly DNS system that routes certain domain names to a verification process is a solid starting point for a genuinely effective technical solution to help families navigate the online world.