Firefox users will now have access to secure encrypted Domain Name System (DNS) services. This was accomplished from a deal between Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) and Mozilla and will be done through Mozilla’s Trusted Recursive Resolver (TRR) Program. This is a significant milestone and a major step for the cable giant’s Xfinity brand.
As the first provider of encrypted DNS services, the company has set up strides for other technology companies to protect customer privacy. Through the activation of Comcast’s DNS over HTTPS (DoH) by default, switching to Cloudflare or NextDNS will become easier than before.
Why Did Comcast and Mozilla to Join Forces despite their previous conflicts?
According to Ars Technica, Mozilla and Comcast have been fighting over DNS plans. On the one hand, Comcast complained about Mozilla’s plans for Firefox. Mozilla would later condemn the ISP citing that it was dishonest with a malicious motive of spreading confusion.
Comcast was initially unwilling to join forces with Mozilla. The company lamented that DNS lookups were the primary methods that ISPs used to implement tools like web blockers. It is worth noting that encrypting DNS traffic is one of Mozilla’s main areas because it helps in protecting browsing activities from manipulation and interception. This needed the partnership of two companies.
Nonetheless, the two have since settled their differences according to Comcast’s VP of technology policy and standards. Jason Livingood says, “We’re proud to be the first ISP to join with Mozilla to support this important evolution of DNS privacy… partnerships like this advance our mission to make our customers’ internet experience more private and secure.”
Will more ISPs or other online infrastructure providers sign on for similar deals?
The world is quickly revolving around technology on a majority of activities. Besides, the internet is becoming a global public resource accessible to all, thus the more the need to ensure easy convenience by building programs, products, and services, which can give people control of their lives and online presence.
Meanwhile, in its aggressive nature to stay within its strategy, Mozilla hired Mitchell Baker as the new CEO after the resignation of Chris Beard.
