elections, ONI documented second-generation techniques, including ‘‘just-in-time’’ filtering of opposition Web sites, which included DNS tampering, network disconnection, and allegations of DoS attacks. 32 Some specialists have suggested that, during
presidential elections, Beltelecom established so-called traffic-shaping practices—that
is, deliberately slowing down access to specific IP addresses. Beltelecom allegedly
received special requests from authorities to block certain Web sites for a limited period
of time.
Self-censorship by Internet users has become a pervasive phenomenon. In 2005, the
popular Belarusian portal tut.by refused to put up banners advertising opposition Web
sites. It is unknown whether this activity was a result of pressure by the authorities or
merely an attempt to protect its own business. 33
Researchers at ONI confirmed that most Internet cafe ´s restrict access to Web sites
containing pornographic, terrorist, and proxy-related material. Internet cafe ´s install
software that either blocks URLs in the list of forbidden Web sites or alerts the administrator if such a URL is visited. The restricted URL list includes Web sites forbidden for
distribution by the Republic Committee on Prevention of Pornography, Violence, and
Cruelty Propaganda. Administrators often require passport identification of customers.
Some Internet cafe ´s also limit the volume of Internet traffic and decrease download
speeds when exceeded. On the request of state security services, administrators keep
logs of users’ network activity.
Conclusion
As Internet use in Belarus has risen significantly in recent years, the government is
intent on extending its firm control over the national information space. The level of
online piracy in the country is very high, but the government does not adequately
Position
Restriction of Access to Certain Internet Content
Percentage
1
Multimedia and P2P sites
28
2
No restrictions of Internet access
22
3
Access allowed only to a limited number of Web sites
20
4
Systems allowing for an instant exchange of messages
16
5
Erotic and porn sites
12
6
Limited traffic
10
7–8
Limitations on upload of large files
8
7–8
Social networks, Internet journals
8
9
Speed of download of information affected
6
10
Complete restriction of Internet access
4
168
Belarus
presidential elections, Beltelecom established so-called traffic-shaping practices—that
is, deliberately slowing down access to specific IP addresses. Beltelecom allegedly
received special requests from authorities to block certain Web sites for a limited period
of time.
Self-censorship by Internet users has become a pervasive phenomenon. In 2005, the
popular Belarusian portal tut.by refused to put up banners advertising opposition Web
sites. It is unknown whether this activity was a result of pressure by the authorities or
merely an attempt to protect its own business. 33
Researchers at ONI confirmed that most Internet cafe ´s restrict access to Web sites
containing pornographic, terrorist, and proxy-related material. Internet cafe ´s install
software that either blocks URLs in the list of forbidden Web sites or alerts the administrator if such a URL is visited. The restricted URL list includes Web sites forbidden for
distribution by the Republic Committee on Prevention of Pornography, Violence, and
Cruelty Propaganda. Administrators often require passport identification of customers.
Some Internet cafe ´s also limit the volume of Internet traffic and decrease download
speeds when exceeded. On the request of state security services, administrators keep
logs of users’ network activity.
Conclusion
As Internet use in Belarus has risen significantly in recent years, the government is
intent on extending its firm control over the national information space. The level of
online piracy in the country is very high, but the government does not adequately
Position
Restriction of Access to Certain Internet Content
Percentage
1
Multimedia and P2P sites
28
2
No restrictions of Internet access
22
3
Access allowed only to a limited number of Web sites
20
4
Systems allowing for an instant exchange of messages
16
5
Erotic and porn sites
12
6
Limited traffic
10
7–8
Limitations on upload of large files
8
7–8
Social networks, Internet journals
8
9
Speed of download of information affected
6
10
Complete restriction of Internet access
4
168
Belarus