the system DNS., or Domain Name System, is a vital part of the internet operation. It was created to mid 80’s, and thanks to it web browsers can convert the addresses we write in IP addresses to view content stored on a server. Thanks to this, we do not have to remember an IP address, but a name, which is easier. The most used DNS are those of Google, Cloudflare and OpenDNS. All of them have the peculiarity that they are based in the United States. And the European Union does not like it.
Most users use the DNS. that brings your operator by default. However, using other third parties provides advantages such as increased privacy or higher speed when resolving addresses. For this reason, the European Union wants to stop depending on the American settlers, and has announced its alternative proposal called DNS4EU.
Resolutions will be processed in Europe
As described by the EU, “DNS4EU will offer a high level of resilience, protection of global cybersecurity and EU specific. It will also bet on data protection and privacy in accordance with EU rules, and will ensure that DNS resolution data is processed in Europe and that personal data is not monetized. will adhere to the latest security and privacy standards from Internet. It will be widely discoverable and easy for end users to configure on their equipment and software.”
As we can see, resolution data cannot be monetized, and it is promised that all GDPR data protection regulations will be complied with. In addition to being used to serve end users directly, it will also be used as a resolver for the backbone networks that handle traffic in and out of the European Union.
They want to block pirate websites
DNS4EU will also block to the extent possible malware and phishing attacks. However, it is also detailed that the EU will be able to filter «URLs that lead to illegal content based on applicable legal requirements in the EU or national jurisdictions (eg based on court orders), in full compliance with EU rules.”
Under that definition is the blocking of web pages related to piracy, as long as there is a judicial order ordering its blocking in the region. The door is also opened to block content passing through European backbones using this resolver. With this, the European Union would have the power to block access to any type of content if there is a court order in this regard.
From the Pirate Party, with representation in the European Parliament, they believe the project is unnecessary. The DNS solutions The current ones work well, and are maintained by private companies.
In the case of DNS4EU, it would be managed by the EU, which could lead to government censorship. Also, DNS blocking can be bypassed quite easily, so it’s usually better to shut down hacking-related websites rather than block them, as excessive blocking can lead to domain access being banned by mistake.