The internet is a space of freedom, but also a space of threats.
In this context, the European Union launched DNS4EU: a European DNS service promoted as safer, more transparent, and more privacy-friendly. But since its announcement, opinions have been divided:
Is DNS4EU a response to cybersecurity and digital sovereignty challenges, or a step toward greater state control of the internet?
Let’s break down this sensitive topic and offer a practical guide for those who want to take back control.
DNS: A small acronym, a big issue
Before diving into DNS4EU, let’s clarify what DNS (Domain Name System) actually is.
When you type a web address (like ariovis.fr), your device uses a DNS server to translate that domain name into an IP address, so you’re directed to the right website. Think of it as the invisible phone book of the internet.
Here’s the problem: these DNS servers often belong to your internet provider or a major American tech company. They can:
- log your queries,
- exploit your data for commercial purposes,
- or censor content, depending on the country and its policies.
That’s where DNS4EU comes in.
DNS4EU: An ambitious European project
DNS4EU is a public DNS service supported by the European Commission, with clear goals:
- provide local, secure DNS resolution,
- offer a European alternative to Google, Cloudflare, OpenDNS, etc.,
- protect citizens against digital threats (phishing, malware…),
- comply with GDPR and reduce data exploitation for commercial use.
In concrete terms, DNS4EU promises:
- more privacy,
- more transparency,
- more technological sovereignty for Europeans.
But some also see… a risk of misuse.
Digital freedoms: A line that must not be crossed
A fair question many people are asking: if Europe provides a centralized DNS, what’s to stop it from eventually blocking content or creating a blacklist of forbidden sites like in more authoritarian regimes?
For now, DNS4EU is optional, and its setup is entirely voluntary.
But this skepticism raises a broader question: who controls the internet’s critical infrastructure, and under what conditions?
Using DNS4EU means choosing European transparency over the commercial opacity of some foreign services.
But like any tool, it all comes down to how it’s governed and how it’s used.
Using DNS4EU at home: Why (and how) to set it up?
Despite the debates, DNS4EU can be a powerful cybersecurity tool for individuals.
Switching your DNS to DNS4EU enables you to:
- better protect your privacy,
- automatically block malicious websites,
- improve stability and speed, thanks to local infrastructure,
- and filter sensitive content (useful for children, for instance).
The good news: it only takes a few minutes to set up, directly on your internet router.
At Ariovis, we’ve created simple, step-by-step guides tailored to each ISP:
- Install DNS4EU on a Freebox
- Install DNS4EU on a box SFR
- Install DNS4EU on a Bbox
- Install DNS4EU on a Livebox
In just a few clicks, you can regain control of your browsing, without installing any software or configuring each device individually.
In conclusion: Get informed to make better choices
DNS4EU is neither a magic bullet nor a looming threat. It’s a tool, and it’s up to each person to make an informed decision about how to use it.
The real challenge isn’t choosing between “freedom” or “security,” but finding a smart balance that respects your rights and meets your digital needs.
By configuring your own DNS, you’re already taking a step toward more responsible and sovereign browsing.
And if you want to go further — protect your home network, help your children navigate online, or just stay informed — check out our practical, easy-to-understand content on Instagram: @ariovis_officiel
Simple tips, no jargon, for a safer, more conscious web.