[SOLVED] Mysterious access to Library Genesis

[random_jc]

I am currently in France, and the main internet providers here are required by law to block access to Library Genesis, e.g. at libgen.rs. However, on my Linux Mint 18.3 with Firefox, I can actually access it.

This looks quite mysterious to me, since for instance I cannot access the website if I use Chrome instead of Firefox. Things also fail if I reboot to a bootable USB drive with Linux Mint and Firefox. It also fails if I use any other device (and the same internet connection), or if I reboot to Windows.

I tried to play a bit with the privacy settings in Firefox, but did not find anything that would disrupt my access to libgen.rs (or enable it elsewhere). Does someone have an idea of what is going on?

[t42]

- maybe you've switched on DNS over HTPS (DOH) in your Firefox preferences
- and maybe your Internet provider is blocking access with the DNS "poisoning"
If these two conditions are met, this explains the issue. You can check point 1 in your Firefox settings and you can check point 2 sending complaint to your ISP

[random_jc]

You got it! Switching the DoH off breaks my ability to connect to Library Genesis. I didn't really understand your second point about the DNS poisoning, but I'm happy that I have an explanation now! Thanks a lot.