OTS - Quad9 public domain name service moves to Switzerland for maximum internet privacy protection (part 1)
2021. February 17. 09:00
Zurich, 17 February, 2021 (APA/OTS) - Quad9 is the first DNS
security solution to extend GDPR privacy protections to internet
users worldwide. - Quad9, the global, not-for-profit Domain Name
System (DNS) security platform, today announced that it has moved
its headquarters from California to Zürich, Switzerland supported
by Packet Clearing House and SWITCH.
Quad9 has set itself apart from other DNS providers by
voluntarily placing itself within a jurisdiction which strictly
enforces privacy laws to the highest global standards. Considered a
stronghold of individual rights, Switzerland has a legal privacy
regime harmonized with the European-standard General Data
Protection Regulation. It grants individuals enforceable rights and
effective remedies, giving Quad9 users around the world the full
protection of Swiss law. This and other important concessions and
findings of law from the Swiss government which ensure Quad9 users'
privacy and security, have made Quad9's selection of domicile a
natural choice.
Quad9 is the only global DNS security provider to offer these
universal privacy protections.
Privacy by Force of Law
Unlike commercial DNS operators, which profit from the sale of
users' personal information and internet browsing history, Quad9
collects no personal information. Users' queries and addresses are
neither collected nor recorded, and thus no third parties have
access to them. Quad9 is a not-for-profit organization with
transparent governance and finances, supported by donations, and
dedicated exclusively to the operation of private and secure DNS
services.
"The privacy protection claims of DNS security solutions are
only meaningful if they are bound under law and enforced by an
empowered authority. Privacy policies which are not backed by law
are empty promises," said John Todd, general manager of Quad9.
Quad9 is under the supervision of the Federal Data Protection
and Information Commissioner and subject to Swiss jurisdiction. The
Swiss Data Protection Act does not contain any restriction
regarding the citizenship or residence of the individuals whose
personal rights are to be protected by the law. By using Quad9,
anyone in the world can receive the same, fully legally enforced,
protection as a Swiss citizen.
Privacy Risks of the Domain Name System
Whenever users use the internet, they leave a trail of digital
footprints. Recursive DNS providers are the chokepoint through
which all users' actions pass, and this is where personal
information can be scrutinized, recorded, and turned into dossiers
for sale. Unlike other large DNS providers, which are domiciled in
the United States, a jurisdiction that shields them from privacy
claims and responsibility to users, Quad9 has placed itself under
the legally binding authority of a strong privacy regulator. The
strength of Swiss law, combined with Quad9's mission and
transparent privacy practices, guarantee that personal data will
never be collected, analyzed, or sold.
Protection Against Cybercrime
Independent tests show that Quad9 also prevents users' devices
from connecting to 97% of malicious web sites. To achieve this
success rate, Quad9 aggregates information from many cyber threat
analysts, now including SWITCH, to form a uniquely comprehensive
database of malicious domains. When a Quad9 user connects to the
internet, Quad9 checks their destination in that database and
blocks the connection if connecting to it would harm the user.
Quad9 operates in more than 150 locations in ninety countries and
protects internet users from more than sixty million malicious
attacks each day.
Collaboration With SWITCH
Quad9's move to Switzerland is being facilitated by SWITCH, one
of Switzerland's centers of competence for internet security. The
foundation operates several critical infrastructures and has been
committed to greater cybersecurity for decades to make the internet
a more secure place for its users. SWITCH is taking a seat on
Quad9's foundation council and contributing to Quad9's governance.
"In less than five years, Quad9 has built a global alternative
to the commercial DNS platforms that are focused on reaping profit
from user data," said Tom Kleiber, managing director of SWITCH. "We
look forward to expanding Quad9's reach and impact to show internet
users across the globe that security can be improved without
exploiting their privacy."
Using Quad9
Quad9 is free and available throughout the world. Users may
configure their computer's DNS resolvers to 9.9.9.9,
149.112.112.112 and 2620:FE::FE. For a step-by-step guide or for
more advanced options, please visit https://quad9.net.
About Quad9
Quad9 is a recursive DNS service providing cybersecurity
protection against malware and phishing. As a not-for-profit
organization, Quad9 does not collect or resell personal data and
provides a trusted service to individuals and organizations at no
cost and with no contract. The organization was launched in 2017
and now is operational in more than 150 locations in 90 countries.
Quad9 exists to improve end user protection and privacy worldwide
in addition to promoting the stability and security of the internet.
Learn more at https://www.quad9.net
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