DNS over HTTPS (DoH): Should You Turn It On or Off?

The question of whether to enable DNS over HTTPS (DoH) is a common one among internet users concerned about their privacy and security. DoH replaces the traditional DNS protocol (DNS over UDP or TCP) with HTTPS, encrypting the communication between your device and the DNS resolver. This seemingly simple change has significant implications for your online experience, and the "right" answer depends heavily on your individual priorities and technical understanding.

Understanding DNS and DoH

Before diving into the pros and cons, let's briefly explain what DNS is. The Domain Name System (DNS) translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into machine-readable IP addresses that your computer uses to connect to websites. Without DNS, you'd have to type in complex IP addresses every time you wanted to visit a site.

DoH enhances this process by encrypting the DNS queries. Instead of your DNS requests being sent in plain text, they're now hidden within an encrypted HTTPS connection. This makes it harder for your internet service provider (ISP), or anyone else intercepting your network traffic, to see which websites you're visiting.

The Advantages of Using DoH

Pros of DoH

Enhanced Privacy: DoH hides your browsing activity from your ISP and potential eavesdroppers on public Wi-Fi.
Improved Security: Encryption helps protect against DNS spoofing and other attacks that could redirect you to malicious websites.
Faster Connections (Potentially): Some users report faster page load times, as DoH can bypass certain network bottlenecks.
Resistance to Censorship: In some countries with internet censorship, DoH can help circumvent restrictions on accessing certain websites.
Better Performance on Unreliable Networks: The encryption can make DoH more resilient to network issues.

Cons of DoH

Reduced Parental Control Effectiveness: If you use parental control software that relies on DNS filtering, DoH can make it less effective.
Potential for Privacy Concerns with Third-Party Resolvers: Choosing a less reputable DoH provider could compromise your privacy.
Compatibility Issues: Some older devices or network configurations may not fully support DoH.
Potential for Increased Latency: While often faster, in some cases DoH can actually increase latency, depending on your network and chosen resolver.
No Guarantee of Complete Anonymity: While DoH protects against your ISP seeing your queries, the DNS resolver you use will still see them.

Choosing a DoH Provider

If you decide to use DoH, carefully select your DNS resolver. Popular choices include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1), Google Public DNS, and Quad9. Each has its own privacy policy, so research to find one that aligns with your preferences. Many browsers and operating systems offer built-in options for configuring DoH.

Should You Enable DoH?

The decision to enable DoH is a personal one. If privacy and security are top priorities, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks. However, if you rely on DNS-based parental controls or have concerns about compatibility, carefully consider the implications before enabling it. Testing DoH and monitoring its impact on your network performance is a good idea to ensure it's the right choice for you.

Ultimately, understanding the trade-offs between privacy, security, and potential performance impacts is crucial to making an informed decision about whether to use DNS over HTTPS. Research your options, choose a reputable provider, and assess whether the benefits justify the potential downsides in your specific context.