Facebook... Big Brother again?

Can't access it. Not a computer issue or location issue. As far as I can tell Facebook access via Etisalat is down. Are they up to their block shenanigans again? Probably. I can confirm that it is possible to access Facebook in a roundabout way which I prefer not to elaborate on, so that suggests that there is no problem with Facebook itself.

Any New Dubai residents on the Du network care to comment? Are you guys still getting Facebook?

Don't shoot the messenger

Finally the anticipation, the uncertainity, the drama is over. Facebook stands blocked.

Facebook, oh Facebook

Well well, facebook was working fine yesterday morning, but when I tried again at 5:00pm, connections to facebook were timing out.

At first I thought facebook's servers were down. But it was working fine in other parts of the world, and I could view http://static.facebook.com (but not login from there).

Does this mean it is blocked ? This is not the first time a site would be without the standard 'Site Is blocked' message. If you remember, skype.com used to be blocked like this a few years ago.

On the other hand, it could also mean that facebook's servers that serve the middle east are down - but that is unlikely ...

A little bird I know tells me an anti-islamic group on facebook has caused the offence - but this is strictly a _rumor_

I look forward to more news about this... Hopefully, Etisalat and the TRA will shed more light on this ...

EDIT: It's up ! It's up ! It's up now ....
EDIT: It's down ! Its down ! Its down again ... but at least we know it can't have been blocked.

A Part of Facebook is blocked

First of all, don't panic. :)

I emptied my browser's cache yesterday, and logged into facebook today to see that it looked like s#$t. Being a web developer, I tested the page to see what was wrong and it turned out that my browser wasn't loading the style sheets and javascript files, and other assets for facebook. But I could read everything fine, and I could post, etc.

The Reason ? http://static.ak.facebook.com is blocked. Accidentally, perhaps, I don't know. This blocked url usually serves the style sheets and script files that lays out facebook's content on your browser.

But if your browser has those files cached on your pc, then facebook should work fine for you ... for the time being. So, don't empty your browser cache ;)

The sleazier side of Dubai

I know this exists - as a matter of fact - it used to be a favourite "special night out" thing to do by the guys from my Rugby Club - way back when. But sleazy then is not half as sleazy as now! Oh no - its a lot more blatant these days!!

But there were some things that were just heard of but not seen or overtly spoken of at least. But in the last couple of weeks I have realised that this side is very much making its presence felt and not doing much to disguise it either. I don't care what people do as long as it does not effect me. But how is it that free thinking sites like Secret Dubai get blocked and Facebook gets threatened and there are other sleazy sites that blatantly flaunt sex that are still going strong!

Would the TRA like to explain, please?