DNSNet is an open-source Android application designed to enhance user control over internet traffic by blocking advertisements and malicious content. Developed by Charles Lombardo, the app operates by establishing a lightweight VPN service that filters internet traffic on the device. Users can download host files to block known advertising or malicious hostnames and create exemptions as needed.
Key Features:
- Customizable Host Files: Users can download host files to block a set of known advertising or malicious hostnames and create exemptions where necessary.
- Lightweight VPN Service: The app establishes a VPN service that filters internet traffic, allowing or blocking requests based on the configured host files.
- User Control: If users encounter issues connecting to a site or using an app, they can exempt the app from filtering or create an exception for a specific hostname.
Installation:
DNSNet is available for download on F-Droid, a reputable repository for free and open-source Android applications. The app requires Android 7.0 or newer and is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later.
Privacy Considerations:
Privacy is a fundamental aspect of DNSNet. The app is strictly data-reducing, meaning it can only reduce the amount of data leaving the device by blocking unwanted traffic; it does not increase data transmission except for fetching host files. For each request, DNSNet either allows it to leave the device or blocks it, without sending additional requests or adding information to the existing request.
Development and Community:
DNSNet is based on DNS66 and aims to continue the goals of the original app with modern Android development practices. The project is actively maintained, with the latest release, version 1.0.15, published on January 2, 2025. This update includes fixes for host action dropdowns, reduced log spam in the release version, decreased memory usage by the rule database and block logger, and improvements to the user interface.
For users seeking a lightweight and customizable solution to manage internet traffic and enhance privacy on their Android devices, DNSNet offers a robust and user-friendly option.