Quad9 DNS Service

Quad9 is a free, global, recursive DNS service that provides users with improved security and privacy. The service was established as a joint venture between IBM, Packet Clearing House (PCH), and the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA) to filter out malicious domains and protect users from cyber threats. Unlike many commercial DNS providers, Quad9 is operated by a non-profit foundation and does not collect or sell personally identifiable information.

Technically, Quad9 operates as a distributed network of servers located in over 150 countries worldwide. This extensive infrastructure ensures that users are routed to the nearest available server to minimize latency. The system leverages threat intelligence from numerous cybersecurity partners to block access to known malicious URLs, phishing sites, and malware distributors in real-time.

In a significant move for privacy protections, Quad9 moved its headquarters from the United States to Zurich, Switzerland, in 2021. This relocation placed the organization under the jurisdiction of Swiss privacy laws, which are among the most robust in the world. The Quad9 Foundation operates the service with a focus on transparency and public benefit, overseen by a board of directors and supported by various industry partners and governmental grants.