Quad9 DNS Service Exits France Following Court Order to Block Domains

Service Withdrawal from France

Quad9 announced its decision to withdraw its free cyberprotection service from users in France, effective November 24. This action follows an unfavorable ruling by French courts that mandates Quad9 to block recursive DNS resolution for a number of domain names within France.

Court Ruling Details

The French court decision, in favor of beIN, requires Quad9 to alter DNS responses for French users. While the financial penalty was reduced from €580,000 to €1,000 per day, Quad9 stated its refusal to comply is based on principle, not just financial considerations. The company views recursive DNS resolution as a neutral and passive service, and altering responses contradicts its mission.

Background of the Case

The legal dispute originated from beIN, a Qatari company, which sought to compel Quad9 to block domains allegedly involved in copyright infringement of its audiovisual rights for sports broadcasts. Quad9 maintains it has no association with these domain names or their operators. The company believes the French courts misunderstood the workings of the internet and the role of the Domain Name System (DNS).

Quad9's Mission and Principles

Quad9 is a Swiss public-benefit, nonprofit foundation focused on protecting internet users' cybersecurity, privacy, and integrity. It offers its service free of charge. The organization stated that the ruling forces an untenable position, as compliance is technically unfeasible and directly opposes its mandate to serve the public with unaltered DNS responses.

Impact on French Users

The withdrawal means French internet users will lose access to Quad9's service, which the company claims provides cybersecurity protection while complying with European privacy law. Quad9 expressed regret that users in France will be left without this specific alternative.