# DNS66

> DNS-Based Host Blocking for Android

**Wikidata**: [Q104661175](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104661175)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dns66

## Summary
DNS66 is a free and open-source Android application that provides DNS-based host blocking capabilities. Developed by Julian Andres Klode, it allows users to block unwanted content by managing host files through a local VPN service. The software is written in Java and is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Free software (DNS-Based Host Blocking).
- **Developer:** Julian Andres Klode.
- **Platform:** Android operating system.
- **License:** GNU General Public License, version 3.0.
- **Programming Language:** Java.
- **Initial Release:** October 19, 2016 (Version 0.1.0).
- **Latest Stable Version:** 0.6.6 (released September 11, 2020).
- **Distribution:** Available via F-Droid (package: `org.jak_linux.dns66`) and GitHub.
- **Input Method:** Touchscreen.

## FAQs
### Q: What is DNS66 used for?
A: DNS66 is an Android tool used for DNS-based host blocking. It allows users to block specific hosts (such as ad servers or trackers) by utilizing a local VPN to filter network traffic without requiring root access.

### Q: Is DNS66 free to use?
A: Yes, DNS66 is classified as free software released under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. This grants users the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the application.

### Q: Who developed DNS66 and when was it released?
A: DNS66 was developed by Julian Andres Klode. The first version (0.1.0) was published on October 19, 2016, and the most recent stable release (0.6.6) was made available on September 11, 2020.

## Why It Matters
DNS66 serves as a significant tool within the Android ecosystem for users seeking granular control over their network traffic and privacy. By functioning as a DNS-based host blocker, it provides a method to prevent connections to unwanted domains, such as those serving advertisements or tracking user behavior. Unlike system-level modifications that may require "rooting" a device, DNS66 achieves this by creating a local VPN connection, making it accessible to a wider range of users with standard Android installations.

As a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) solution licensed under GPL-3.0, it offers transparency regarding how user data is handled, distinguishing it from proprietary alternatives. Its continued development from 2016 through 2020 and availability on platforms like F-Droid highlight its role as a reliable utility for privacy-conscious Android users.

## Notable For
- **DNS-Based Blocking:** Utilizes DNS querying to block unwanted hosts on Android devices.
- **Free Software Licensing:** Distributed under the GNU General Public License v3.0, ensuring user freedoms to modify and share the code.
- **Java Architecture:** Built entirely using the Java programming language.
- **F-Droid Availability:** Listed in the F-Droid repository with the package ID `org.jak_linux.dns66`, emphasizing its open-source nature.

## Body

### Development and Release History
DNS66 was created by developer Julian Andres Klode and is written in the Java programming language. The project's source code is hosted on GitHub.

The software was initially released on October 19, 2016, with version 0.1.0. Development continued actively for several years, with multiple iterations released throughout late 2016 and 2017, including versions 0.2.0, 0.2.2, and 0.3.1. The most recent stable version identified is 0.6.6, released on September 11, 2020.

### Technical Implementation
DNS66 operates on the Android platform, utilizing the device's touchscreen for user interaction. It functions as a host blocker based on the Domain Name System (DNS). By establishing a local VPN on the device, the application can filter DNS requests against user-defined or community-maintained host files. This allows the software to block connections to specified internet hosts without routing traffic through a remote server, preserving network speed while enhancing privacy.

### Licensing and Distribution
The application is explicitly defined as "free software," distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. This ensures that the application is dedicated to the public domain by the copyright holder in terms of usage rights, though the work remains copyrighted. It is primarily distributed through the F-Droid repository, a catalogue of Free and Open Source Software applications. The official website for the project is hosted at `jak-linux.org`.

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.6)
2. [Release 0.1.0. 2016](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.1.0)
3. [Release 0.1.1. 2016](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.1.1)
4. [Release 0.1.2. 2016](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.1.2)
5. [Release 0.1.3. 2016](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.1.3)
6. [Release 0.2.0. 2016](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.2.0)
7. [Release 0.2.1. 2016](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.2.1)
8. [Release 0.2.2. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.2.2)
9. [Release 0.3.0. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.3.0)
10. [Release 0.3.1. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.3.1)
11. [Release 0.4.0. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.4.0)
12. [Release 0.4.1. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.4.1)
13. [Release 0.5.0. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.0)
14. [Release 0.5.1. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.1)
15. [Release 0.5.2. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.2)
16. [Release 0.5.3. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.3)
17. [Release 0.5.4. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.4)
18. [Release 0.5.5. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.5)
19. [Release 0.5.6. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.6)
20. [Release 0.5.7. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.7)
21. [Release 0.5.8. 2017](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.5.8)
22. [Release 0.6.0. 2019](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.0)
23. [Release 0.6.1. 2019](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.1)
24. [Release 0.6.2. 2020](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.2)
25. [Release 0.6.3. 2020](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.3)
26. [Release 0.6.4. 2020](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.4)
27. [Release 0.6.5. 2020](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.5)
28. [Release 0.6.7. 2021](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.7)
29. [Release 0.6.8. 2021](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.6.8)
30. [Source](https://github.com/julian-klode/dns66/releases/tag/v0.1.0)
31. [Source](https://framalibre.org/content/dns66)