New system challenges scammers and typos, but does it go too far?
A new service called OpenDNS officially opened its doors today. The service is an alternative DNS to those offered by ISPs and promises a faster, safer internet experience. Open DNS claims that by changing your internet connection’s DNS to OpenDNS, you can:
-Reduce effects of phising attacks and scams
-Get faster resolution of domain names
-Automatically correct typos
The last one might get some domainers up in arms. But before you fret, note that the system now appears to correct only typos involving domain extensions, such as typing .cmo instead of .com. However, some people are asking OpenDNS to start auto-correcting typos of actual domains. This could thwart the efforts of typosquatters. And it could allow OpenDNS to play god. OpenDNS also wants to make money by showing ads when you go to a URL that isn’t registered. This may remind you of VeriSign’s SiteFinder service that landed the company in hot water. But remember, people using OpenDNS are voluntarily using the service.
OpenDNS doesn’t use software. All you have to do is log into your router and change the DNS.
It will be interesting to see if this catches on and what effect it might have on the domain name community.
David Ulevitch says
Definitely let me know if you want to talk about this or do some kind of forum. I think there are a lot of interesting issues that need to be fully hashed out. I also like clearing up peoples understandings of what we’re trying to do and what we are all about.
Best,
David
Derek Prueitt says
This is no threat to typo domain owners. They could only attempt to correct typos on domains that do not resolve or they would alienate too many of their customers trying to reach genuine typo sites / domain hacks / etc. If they correct typos on domains that don\’t resolve, based on their advertizing model, they would actually be hurting their own business as they\’d be directing a potential ad page view to a typo-corrected real site instead.
Editor says
That’s a good point Derek. But then will OpenDNS get nailed for trademark infringement by resolving trademark typos to ad pages?
David?