Can my ISP see DNS over HTTPS?

Can My ISP See DNS over HTTPS? The Answer is (Mostly) No.

The internet is a vast network, and navigating it safely requires understanding how your data travels. A crucial element of this journey is the Domain Name System (DNS), the phonebook of the internet that translates human-readable website addresses (like google.com) into the numerical IP addresses computers use. But who’s watching as you make these lookups? Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)? The answer, when using DNS over HTTPS (DoH), is significantly more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Traditionally, DNS queries were sent in plain text, leaving your ISP with a clear view of every website you visited. This exposes your browsing habits, potentially compromising your privacy and even opening you up to targeted advertising or more sinister activities. DoH changes this paradigm significantly.

DoH encrypts your DNS queries, essentially wrapping them in an HTTPS tunnel. This means that while your ISP still sees that you’re making a connection to a DoH server, they cannot decipher the content of that connection. They see the encrypted data, but not the actual websites you’re accessing. Think of it like sending a sealed letter – your postman knows you’re sending a letter, but not what’s inside.

However, the situation isn’t entirely black and white. While DoH greatly improves your privacy, it’s not a foolproof solution. There are a few caveats:

• The DoH Server: Your chosen DoH provider now has visibility into your DNS queries. Choosing a reputable and privacy-focused provider is crucial. Read their privacy policy carefully to understand how they handle and use your data. Consider open-source solutions or those with strong reputations for privacy.

• Leaking Information: While unlikely, there’s always a small chance of data leaks. Issues with implementation on your device or within the DoH service could potentially expose some information. Keeping your software up-to-date and choosing a well-established service minimizes this risk.

• Other Network Monitoring: Your ISP might still be able to track that you’re using the internet, but they can’t see what you’re accessing. They can observe the volume of data transmitted, but not its content. This data is still subject to their general usage policies and potential legal requests.

• Your Network’s Configuration: If your network is configured to log DNS traffic, regardless of encryption, your privacy may be compromised. This is more likely in corporate or educational settings.

In conclusion, while DoH doesn’t offer absolute anonymity, it significantly enhances your online privacy by obscuring your browsing history from your ISP. The added security provided by HTTPS encryption makes it a crucial tool for anyone concerned about their digital footprint. However, remember to select your DoH provider carefully and understand the limitations of the technology to get the most benefit from this privacy-enhancing tool. The responsibility for safeguarding your online privacy is shared between you and your chosen service provider.