Using both NoScript an HTTPS Everywhere Firefox extensions

[AndyR]

I've been using both NoScript and HTTPS Everywhere Firefox extensions and found BBC iPlayer blocks streaming video. Either by asking for javascript or a Try again later message.

Naturally, I've been leaving HTTPS/E on the 'block all HTTP requests' to see what sites I could get in that setting.

I'm no expert on settings in either app yet, though I know how to accept all from a site in NoScript. I began to wonder if there was some sort incompatibility between N/S and H/E. By a process of elimination found it was not N/S which was blocking but H/E. I couldn't use iPlayer for streaming in block HTTP setting. However, with block all HTTP requests, it is still posible to download catch-up programmes at the same download speeds I get with it in allow all HTTP in iPlayer!

I've also tried blocking HTTP on the main BBC page with allow all in N/S. It won't load or allow links to be opened.

♦ Can anyone explain why BBC does this? Or if there is any advantage for them to not be HTTPS?

♦♦ A side issue is whether BT, who is my ISP, are restricting dowloads on iPlayer. I read one BBC New article from 2009, BT accused of iPlayer throttling < http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8077839.stm > saying they were.

Currently I'm getting roughly 2 MB/s downloads on optic fibre, with a speed test giving about 16MB/s download.

If BT are package cutting, this a serious issue - we pay handsomely for BT ISP. (I have not taken a 24 test on download speeds yet...maybe when I'm having a sleepless night).

[Thrawn]

♦ Can anyone explain why BBC does this? Or if there is any advantage for them to not be HTTPS?

Speed. Encryption takes time, and encrypted resources aren't cached.

♦♦ A side issue is whether BT, who is my ISP, are restricting dowloads on iPlayer. I read one BBC New article from 2009, BT accused of iPlayer throttling < http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8077839.stm > saying they were.

No idea; I don't use them. But if you suspect they are, then you'd have to read the terms and conditions of their service to know whether they're allowed.