Why Doesn’t a 301 Redirect Work When a Domain Is Blocked?

April 11, 2025

Introduction #

In internet operations, domain blocking is a frequent and vexing issue, with numerous websites restricted due to policy or content violations. When a website or domain is blocked by government authorities for breaching regulations or policies, it often involves deeper technical and administrative layers. Network censorship measures go beyond simply preventing access to a specific IP address—they also encompass control over domain resolution and other tactics.

Website administrators often attempt to use a 301 redirect (permanent redirect) to reroute traffic to an unblocked new domain in hopes of restoring access. However, many find that even after setting up a 301 redirect, users still cannot access the site, and the new domain may quickly get blocked as well. Why does this happen? The primary reason is that a 301 redirect is essentially an HTTP response code sent by the web server to the browser, instructing it to visit a specified new URL. However, this does not alter the underlying network censorship measures that block the domain.

Is a Domain Blocked Because of a Report?

April 7, 2025

Introduction #

A domain being blocked (i.e., rendered inaccessible, typically by the Great Firewall) is not always the result of a report. Restrictions on network access are usually caused by multiple factors, such as government policies, cybersecurity considerations, or technical routing issues. In certain countries and regions, specific websites or services may be blocked to control information flow or for security reasons. Therefore, if you encounter a situation where a domain is inaccessible, it may not necessarily be due to a report. The reasons for a domain being blocked can vary and may include the following scenarios:

Can a Forwarding Link Be Used When a Domain Is Blocked?

April 4, 2025

Introduction #

When a domain is blocked (e.g., inaccessible in certain regions), forwarding links can be used as a potential solution to restore access. When a domain is blocked, users in the affected region may be unable to visit it directly. To circumvent this restriction, forwarding link technology can be employed. Specifically, by setting up an unblocked intermediary server (such as a URL forwarding service), requests to the blocked domain can be redirected to another accessible domain or server, effectively bypassing the block.