Circumventing Censorship in Turkmenistan: Exploring DNS-over-HTTPS in 2023

Turkmenistan remains one of the most heavily censored countries globally. Access to information is severely restricted, with the government employing various techniques to control online activity. This includes manipulating DNS (Domain Name System) resolution, effectively blocking access to websites deemed undesirable by the regime. This article explores the potential of DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) as a method for circumventing this censorship in 2023, acknowledging its limitations and potential risks.

Understanding DNS and Censorship in Turkmenistan

The DNS is the internet's phonebook. It translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Turkmenistan's government controls the primary DNS servers within the country. By manipulating these servers, they can prevent users from accessing specific websites by either blocking the resolution entirely or redirecting it to a controlled page (often a government-sponsored message or a blank page).

This control extends to blocking access to VPN services and other tools commonly used to bypass censorship, creating a significant challenge for those seeking unrestricted internet access.

DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH): A Potential Solution?

DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) encrypts the DNS queries sent from a user's device to a DNS server. This encryption makes it much harder for network intermediaries, such as the Turkmen government's censorship infrastructure, to intercept and manipulate DNS requests. Instead of sending your DNS queries in plain text, DoH encrypts them using HTTPS, the same protocol used for secure web browsing.

By using a DoH-enabled client and a reputable DoH resolver located outside Turkmenistan, users can potentially bypass the government's DNS manipulation. The encrypted queries are sent directly to the chosen resolver, making it difficult for censors to understand which websites are being accessed.

Implementing DoH in Turkmenistan: Challenges and Considerations

While DoH offers a promising approach, several challenges exist for its effective use in Turkmenistan:

• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): Turkmenistan likely employs DPI, a sophisticated form of censorship that can inspect the content of encrypted traffic. While DoH protects the DNS query itself, DPI could still potentially identify and block connections based on other characteristics of the network traffic.
• Blocking of DoH Providers: The Turkmen government may actively block known DoH providers, preventing access to these services. This would render DoH ineffective unless users utilize alternative methods to access these providers.
• Network Speed and Reliability: Turkmenistan's internet infrastructure may not be robust enough to handle the overhead of encrypted DoH connections. Slower speeds and frequent disconnections could hinder its usability.
• Technical Expertise: Setting up and configuring DoH requires a certain level of technical understanding. Many users in Turkmenistan may lack the necessary skills or access to support.
• Government Surveillance: Even with DoH, the government might still be able to monitor internet activity through other methods, such as tracking IP addresses or inspecting traffic at points beyond the DoH resolution.

Finding and Using DoH Servers: A Cautious Approach

Choosing a reliable and secure DoH provider is crucial. Research reputable providers with a strong commitment to privacy and security. Avoid providers located within Turkmenistan or countries known for cooperating with oppressive regimes. Several open-source DoH clients and browser extensions are available; however, careful selection and research are needed to ensure safety and efficacy.

Alternatives and Complementary Strategies

DoH should be considered one tool among many in a broader strategy to circumvent censorship. Combining DoH with a VPN, Tor, or other privacy-enhancing technologies can enhance security and improve the chances of accessing blocked content. Remember that no single method guarantees complete anonymity or access. A layered approach is often most effective.

Conclusion

DNS-over-HTTPS offers a potential avenue for circumventing DNS manipulation in Turkmenistan, but it's not a silver bullet. Its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the sophistication of the government's censorship techniques, the reliability of the internet infrastructure, and the technical skills of the users. Combining DoH with other methods and exercising caution are essential for those seeking to access information freely in this heavily restricted environment.

It's important to remember that accessing blocked content in Turkmenistan carries inherent risks. Users should be aware of the potential legal consequences and take steps to protect their privacy and security.