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Public DNS Services

CleanBrowsing

"A DNS service focused on content filtering and malware protection with family-friendly options"

CleanBrowsing

CleanBrowsing is a public DNS service that specializes in content filtering and malware protection, with a strong focus on providing family-friendly internet access. It offers DNS-based filtering to block inappropriate content, malware, and other online threats.

Overview

CleanBrowsing is a DNS service that prioritizes content filtering and security. It provides DNS-based filtering to protect users from accessing inappropriate content, malicious websites, and other online threats. The service is particularly known for its family protection features and commitment to creating safer browsing environments.

Key Features

Content Filtering

  • Family Protection: Blocks adult content and inappropriate websites
  • Security Filtering: Blocks malware, phishing, and malicious domains
  • Category-Based Filtering: Filters content by categories
  • Customizable Filtering: Multiple levels of filtering available

Malware and Security Protection

  • Malware Blocking: Prevents access to known malware distribution sites
  • Phishing Protection: Blocks access to phishing websites
  • Threat Intelligence: Integration with threat intelligence feeds
  • Real-time Updates: Regular updates to threat databases

Performance

  • Global Infrastructure: Multiple server locations worldwide
  • Anycast Routing: Requests routed to nearest server for low latency
  • Caching: Efficient caching mechanisms for performance
  • High Availability: Redundant infrastructure for reliability

Privacy

  • No Query Logging: Does not store DNS queries or user information
  • Privacy Policy: Clear commitment to user privacy
  • Minimal Data: Collects only necessary data for operation
  • Transparency: Regular transparency reports

DNS Server Addresses

Family Filter

  • IPv4: 185.228.168.168 and 185.228.169.168
  • IPv6: 2a0d:2a00:1:: and 2a0d:2a00:2::
  • Purpose: Blocks adult content and malware

Security Filter

  • IPv4: 185.228.168.9 and 185.228.169.9
  • IPv6: 2a0d:2a00:1::9 and 2a0d:2a00:2::9
  • Purpose: Blocks malware, phishing, and malicious domains

Adult Filter

  • IPv4: 185.228.168.10 and 185.228.169.10
  • IPv6: 2a0d:2a00:1::10 and 2a0d:2a00:2::10
  • Purpose: More restrictive adult content filtering

Standard Filter

  • IPv4: 185.228.168.168 and 185.228.169.168
  • IPv6: 2a0d:2a00:1:: and 2a0d:2a00:2::
  • Purpose: Balanced filtering for general use

Filtering Categories

Family Protection

  • Adult Content: Blocks access to adult and pornographic websites
  • Nudity: Filters images and content containing nudity
  • Sexual Content: Blocks explicit sexual content
  • Violence: Filters content containing graphic violence

Security Protection

  • Malware: Blocks access to known malware distribution sites
  • Phishing: Prevents access to phishing websites
  • Scam Sites: Blocks fraudulent and scam websites
  • Exploit Kits: Prevents access to exploit delivery sites

Content Categories

  • Gambling: Blocks gambling-related websites
  • Social Media: Filters social media platforms
  • Gaming: Blocks gaming websites (configurable)
  • Piracy: Blocks sites related to copyright infringement

Configuration Methods

Operating System Level

  • Windows: Network adapter DNS configuration
  • macOS: Network preferences DNS settings
  • Linux: Configuration in /etc/resolv.conf or systemd-resolved
  • Mobile Devices: Network settings for iOS and Android

Router Configuration

  • Home Routers: DNS settings in router administration interface
  • Enterprise Routers: Advanced DNS configuration options
  • DHCP Integration: Automatic DNS assignment to network clients
  • Multiple Device Protection: Protection for all devices on the network

Application Level

  • Browser Settings: Some browsers support custom DNS settings
  • VPN Integration: DNS configuration within VPN clients
  • Network Applications: Application-specific DNS configuration
  • Mobile Apps: DNS configuration through dedicated apps

Filtering Levels

Family Filter

  • Target: Families with children
  • Blocking: Adult content, malware, and phishing sites
  • Scope: Comprehensive protection for family browsing
  • Customization: Limited customization options

Security Filter

  • Target: General security protection
  • Blocking: Malware, phishing, and malicious domains
  • Scope: Security-focused filtering without content blocking
  • Performance: Optimized for security rather than content filtering

Adult Filter

  • Target: More restrictive environments
  • Blocking: Enhanced adult content filtering
  • Scope: More comprehensive adult content blocking
  • Restrictions: More aggressive content blocking

Technical Implementation

Infrastructure

  • Global Points of Presence: Multiple server locations worldwide
  • Anycast Network: Same IP addresses announced from multiple locations
  • Load Balancing: Automatic distribution of query load
  • DDoS Protection: Built-in protection against DNS attacks

Filtering Technology

  • Real-time Updates: Regular updates to filtering databases
  • Machine Learning: AI-based threat detection and categorization
  • Community Input: Community feedback for content categorization
  • Automated Categorization: Automated systems for content classification

Protocol Support

  • Standard DNS: Full support for traditional DNS protocols
  • DNSSEC: DNS Security Extensions validation
  • EDNS0: Extension mechanisms for DNS
  • Encrypted DNS: Support for DoH and DoT (when available)

Privacy and Security

Privacy Features

  • No Logging: No DNS query logging or user tracking
  • Data Minimization: Collects only necessary operational data
  • Transparency: Clear privacy policy and practices
  • Compliance: Adherence to privacy regulations

Security Measures

  • Malware Blocking: Real-time blocking of malicious domains
  • Phishing Protection: Protection against phishing attempts
  • Threat Intelligence: Integration with security intelligence feeds
  • Automatic Updates: Regular updates to security databases

Comparison with Other Services

vs OpenDNS

  • Focus: Content filtering vs general security and content filtering
  • Features: Specialized in family-friendly filtering
  • Privacy: Similar privacy commitments
  • Customization: Different filtering categories and options

vs Cloudflare DNS

  • Purpose: Content filtering vs general performance and privacy
  • Features: More focused on content filtering
  • Performance: Competitive performance globally
  • Privacy: Strong privacy commitments

vs Quad9

  • Focus: Content filtering vs security-focused
  • Blocking: Proactive content filtering
  • Features: More comprehensive content filtering options
  • Target: Family-friendly vs general security

Performance Metrics

Speed and Reliability

  • Response Times: Optimized for fast query responses
  • Uptime: High availability and reliability
  • Global Coverage: Good performance worldwide
  • Caching: Efficient caching mechanisms

Filtering Effectiveness

  • Block Lists: Comprehensive and regularly updated block lists
  • Accuracy: High accuracy in blocking unwanted content
  • False Positives: Minimized false positive blocking
  • Bypass Prevention: Prevents bypassing of filters

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connectivity Problems

  • Firewall Settings: Ensure DNS ports are not blocked
  • Network Configuration: Verify DNS settings are correct
  • ISP Interference: Some ISPs may override DNS settings
  • Router Issues: Check router DNS configuration

Filtering Issues

  • Over-blocking: Some legitimate sites may be blocked
  • Under-blocking: Some unwanted content may get through
  • Performance Impact: Filtering may slightly increase response times
  • Configuration: Ensure correct filtering level is selected

Enterprise and Custom Solutions

Business Solutions

  • Custom DNS: Custom DNS solutions for businesses
  • API Access: Programmatic access to DNS services
  • Support: Dedicated business support options
  • Analytics: Detailed analytics and reporting

Self-Hosted Options

  • CleanBrowsing Home: Self-hosted DNS filtering solution
  • Custom Rules: Create custom filtering rules and lists
  • User Management: Manage multiple users and devices
  • Analytics: Detailed statistics and analytics

Future Developments

Emerging Technologies

  • DNS over QUIC: Support for QUIC-based DNS queries
  • Enhanced Privacy: New privacy protection technologies
  • AI Improvements: Better machine learning for content classification
  • Protocol Evolution: Support for new DNS protocols

Feature Enhancements

  • Custom Filtering: More granular custom filtering options
  • Analytics: Enhanced analytics and reporting
  • Integration: Better integration with other security tools
  • Mobile Features: Enhanced mobile-specific features

Conclusion

CleanBrowsing provides a specialized DNS service focused on content filtering and security, with particular strength in family protection features. Its comprehensive filtering capabilities, combined with strong privacy commitments and good performance, make it an attractive option for users seeking to create safer browsing environments. The service continues to evolve with new features and capabilities while maintaining its core focus on content filtering and user safety.