In a recent document posted on the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) called an ‘Internet-Draft’ by Google, Google called for a change in the DNS server system to allow major DNS servers worldwide to be able to pull client addresses from DNS requests.
This, according to them, is to enable bandwidth saving by rerouting traffic to servers nearest to where the request originated. A few authoritative individuals also want that several other details be sought by the DNS servers if client identity is going to be resolved at all. Latitude/Longitude, ISP, country and the age of the individual can be quite helpful in a number of areas like security, cyber crime and catching pedophiles. Who will regulate these confidential details is something which poses a rather sticky question.
The proposal will not only save significant bandwidth, it will also allow for better speeds as distances are cut short if it is implemented. Normally, data often has to travel across continents before it comes to the user. For example, a request originating in Boston probably travels all over the world through multiple servers before it comes back to the user. This proposal will ensure that the nearest server only handles the request, thus increasing the speed manifold.
The idea is quite far from becoming reality though, as just an Internet-Draft has been submitted which can be submitted by anyone with an Internet connection and free time on their hands. If a draft is not updated twice is year, it is deleted. In the event that it garners interest, it is usually bumped up to the status of ‘Request For Comments’ or RFC though the standards for the same are not very stringent. For anything which is to become an Internet standard though, the requirement is much higher and rarely do drafts reach that level.
Google plans to address the obvious privacy concerns through an encryption system which will encrypt the client addresses such that only the DNS server can read it. Why the DNS server cannot maintain a list of server addresses which the host ISP server cannot resolve on its own hereby calming privacy concerns is something which hasn’t been answered as of now. Going by the current stance of the IETF, the idea probably won’t garner much approval from the board due to its inherent privacy concerns which are against the free nature of the Internet which the IETF seeks to promote.
[Via Arstechnica.com]
Is this a good idea for the online anonymity seekers?
Personally, I think this is another step towards zero Internet privacy. From my undertanding, such a DNS could retain info regarding my browsing habits. This may be a good idea from the point of view of the bandwidth, but definitely it is not something I would like to happen.
What do you think about this proposal?
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6 Comments
HideIpAdmin,
Honestly when It come to internet privacy,Google is definitely the worst service,The company practically makes money by selling our surfing habits to advertisers and 3rd parties.I hope IETF doesn’t fall for Goggle clever plot.To me saving bandwidth and speed are critical but if comes at the cost of my privacy,Thanks but no Thanks!
Honestly Google clearly wants to wrestle control over the Internet which we must oppose at cost.I also don’t use the chrome browser because of privacy concern again.
Recently a S/W called DNS jumper has been released where you can change you DNS and revert back with default option,hope this off-topic detail may offer some help,I haven’t used it myself,would love to hear what everyone has to say about this.
Hi,
What utter bol…s!! (well, you get the rest – and excuse my french).
The fact that their proposal is “user data revealing/ gathering” oriented, while obviously other solutions can lead to the desired result, says it all.
Read the comments over at Arstechnica – it’s spelled out in any possible way.
This company’s … lust (sorry, don’t know what else to call it) for collecting & exploiting Internet user’s data seems to have no end.
The disregard/ disrespect of privacy by Google has driven me away from anything related to them and looking back to the days I did use it, I can’t believe how naive I was – better late than never.
@kingpin
Haven’t tried that one out as I use DNSBench and am quite happy with it – try it out, it’s completely portable. Among other things, you can add any DNS Server you like to test. When I tested Google’s, they scored far from the top five – so, even if I could disregard everything else about Google, I have absolutely no incentive to use them.
Besides, unless your ISP has a really screwed up its DNS Servers’ configuration, your IPS’ are usually the fastest for you. It doesn’t hurt though to test them from time to time, as results may varry (depending on day and time).
ad_infinitum
@ad_infinitum – DNS= more ways to be tracked,hacked, and basically givin away your ISP’s DNS server’s;wich are the fastest one’s you can get. My rule of thumb is be careful with DNS “HIDEING” programs.
@ad_infinitum
I will definitely try DNSBenchMark ,you please try DNSJumper let me know about your experience.
@tdrive
I kinda agree!
Pro:
Might perform better, can offer protection from malware, filtering options and more.
Con:
In fact might be slower because it is farther.
So it is practical to test and see which variant fits your connection better.
It might not be a good idea to jump on whatever tests tell you, but it is definitely good idea to test at least once and ensure that provider’s DNS is fast enough and works properly.
DNSBenchMark:https://www.grc.com/dns/benchmark.htm
@ad_infinitum and @tdrive
DNSJumper new version doesn’t seems to work with Windows7,so try v1.02.You change back to your default DNS setting with Default Button.I recommend this,try it out
http://www.sordum.com/?p=2073
I have. Your right they are good DNS spots. OPEN DNS; also a good one, but like before; I feel like I’m giving way too much info for what I need.