A significant blow to internet privacy and security in France, **Quad9**, a free DNS resolver and non-profit organization, has announced its reluctant departure from the French market, effective November 24. The decision stems from a French court order compelling **Quad9** to block access to websites allegedly infringing on a sports broadcaster's copyrights. Forcing essential infrastructure providers into the role of copyright police, according to **Quad9**, invariably leads to negative consequences for users and the services they rely on. ### The Role of a DNS Resolver When a user navigates to a website, a DNS resolver translates the human-readable domain name (e.g., `eff.org`) into a numerical IP address, directing data across the internet. Due to this function, DNS resolvers have visibility into users' online activities, making their privacy policies critically important. **Quad9**, incorporated in Switzerland, specifically chose its jurisdiction to better protect user data from external demands. Beyond privacy, the service also enhances security by blocking domains known to host malware and phishing attacks. Services like **Quad9** offer a vital alternative to default DNS resolvers provided by local ISPs and wireless carriers, which are often susceptible to law enforcement requests, censorship, and commercial surveillance. ### An Impossible Choice for Quad9 In a detailed blog post, **Quad9** explained the untenable position the French court order placed them in. They faced two unpalatable options: either "extend French law to the whole world (blocking globally)" or attempt to identify and block users solely within France. The latter is technically challenging and unreliable, potentially exposing the organization to massive fines for imperfect compliance. Compounding the issue, **Quad9** revealed it is currently facing approximately 20 additional lawsuits in France seeking similar blocking orders. Rather than compromise its global service integrity or make unfulfillable promises, **Quad9** opted to withdraw from France. This decision represents a substantial loss for French users who depend on the service for enhanced privacy and security. ### Ineffectiveness of Site Blocking and Broader Implications **Quad9** emphasizes that its withdrawal will not remove any allegedly infringing material from the internet, as the organization does not host websites. Users can easily switch to alternative DNS resolvers, meaning the targeted content will remain accessible, even as a privacy-protecting service is driven out of the country. This incident carries significant implications beyond France's borders, particularly for U.S. lawmakers. The U.S. Congress is currently considering multiple site-blocking proposals that would mandate ISPs and other intermediaries, including DNS resolvers, to block websites in the name of copyright protection. Critics argue such bills threaten free speech, information access, and invite potential abuse. **Quad9's** experience underscores a critical hidden cost: forcing internet services to act as copyright enforcers can lead to the loss of vital privacy and security tools for users. Furthermore, if neutral services like **Quad9** are compelled to build site-blocking mechanisms for copyright holders, it sets a dangerous precedent. This infrastructure could then be leveraged by other powerful interests, including repressive governments, to demand similar systems for censoring speech globally. Congress is urged to reject site-blocking legislation, which is seen as a threat to the open internet and ultimately unhelpful to creators or creativity.