Quantifying website blocking effectiveness: development and application of the SUPPRESS model in Southeast Asia

<p dir="ltr">This thesis examines the effectiveness of website blocking as a mechanism for combating online copyright infringement in Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. Despite widespread implementation of website blocking measures, the long-term efficacy and the factors contributing to their success or failure in different jurisdictions still need to be better understood. This research addresses critical gaps in the current academic literature by providing a comprehensive, empirical analysis of website blocking effectiveness across diverse legal, technological, and socio-economic contexts. </p><p dir="ltr">The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of web traffic data and a qualitative examination of legal frameworks and implementation practices. Additionally, it introduces an innovative analytical framework known as the SUPPRESS (Systematic Understanding of Piracy Prevention through Resource Effective Site Suppression) model. This model aims to evaluate the long-term effects of website blocking strategies on the targeted territories while providing a predictive assessment for regions sharing similar piracy ecosystems. Key considerations of the model include the immediate effectiveness of blocking efforts, the resources allocated to these actions, and the potential resurgence of infringing websites. </p><p dir="ltr">This study compares the four selected territories and investigates how specific legal frameworks and practical implementations impact the overall effectiveness of website blocking measures. It then examines medium—to long-term trends in access to infringing content, identifying factors contributing to sustained reductions in piracy levels. Further, it explores the dynamic nature of online piracy ecosystems and how users and infringing websites adapt to blocking measures. </p><p dir="ltr">Some key findings reveal significant variations in the effectiveness of website blocking across the jurisdictions studied. The research explores a range of factors that may influence this effectiveness, including, but not limited to, the nature of legal frameworks and the specifics of implementation processes. The SUPPRESS model demonstrates the potential for assessing and predicting long-term trends in website blocking effectiveness, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. </p><p dir="ltr">This thesis contributes to the academic discourse on copyright protection in the digital environment and the development of more effective and contextually appropriate website blocking strategies. The findings have implications for policymakers and rights holders seeking to optimise their anti-piracy efforts, offering evidence-based recommendations for improving the implementation and effectiveness of website blocking measures in diverse contexts.</p>