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adguardteam/dns-sde-extension

Analysis updated 2026-07-09 · repo last pushed 2025-01-09

15HTMLAudience · developerComplexity · 2/5StaleSetup · moderate

TLDR

A browser extension by AdGuard that replaces confusing browser errors with clear messages when a website is blocked by DNS filtering. It is a demo of Structured DNS errors showing why a site was blocked.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((repo))
    What it does
      Shows custom block pages
      Explains why site blocked
      Replaces confusing errors
    How it works
      Watches for loading errors
      Checks AdGuard DNS
      Uses Structured DNS errors
    Tech stack
      Browser extension
      HTML
      Chrome developer mode
    Use cases
      Home content filtering
      Browser maker reference
      DNS block demos
    Audience
      Developers
      Browser makers
      Tech enthusiasts
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Code map

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What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Show a clear message to your family when a DNS filter blocks a website on your home network.

USE CASE 2

Demo how Structured DNS errors could improve browser UX for content filtering.

USE CASE 3

Test what the DNS block experience looks like across different websites using AdGuard DNS.

What is it built with?

HTMLBrowser ExtensionChrome Extension APIsAdGuard DNS

How does it compare?

adguardteam/dns-sde-extensionaiecosvietnam/aiecos-social-crmrafaelferreira2312/devforge
Stars151515
LanguageHTMLHTMLHTML
Last pushed2025-01-09
MaintenanceStale
Setup difficultymoderatemoderateeasy
Complexity2/53/51/5
Audiencedeveloperpm founderdeveloper

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · moderate Time to first run · 30min

Requires manual setup in Chrome developer mode and must be paired with a specific AdGuard DNS configuration.

No license information is provided in the repository, so usage rights are unclear.

In plain English

This browser extension, created by AdGuard, is a proof-of-concept that shows what happens when a website is blocked by a DNS filtering service. Normally, when a DNS blocker stops you from visiting a site, you just see a generic browser error that looks like the site is broken. This extension replaces that confusing error with a clear, custom page explaining exactly why the site was blocked. Here is how it works. When you try to visit a website, the extension watches for loading errors on the main page. If it detects that a site failed to load, it checks with the AdGuard DNS service to see if the site was intentionally blocked. If it was, the extension shows a detailed block page instead of the standard error message. The project uses Structured DNS errors, a way for DNS services to pass along readable information about why a block happened, rather than just returning a simple failure. This tool is mainly for developers, browser makers, and tech enthusiasts who want to see how Structured DNS errors could improve the web browsing experience. For example, a parent using DNS filtering to block adult content on their home network could use this to show their kids a clear message about why a site is blocked, rather than a vague technical error. It demonstrates how browsers could natively handle DNS blocks in a more user-friendly way. It is important to note that this is a demonstration project, not a finished product for everyday users. It requires manual setup in Chrome's developer mode and needs to be paired with a specific AdGuard DNS configuration. The project trades ease of use for a focused look at a specific technology, serving as a working example of what native browser support for detailed DNS blocking could look like.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
How do I install and configure the AdGuard DNS SDE extension in Chrome developer mode so it shows custom block pages?
Prompt 2
What are Structured DNS errors and how does this extension use them to display why a website was blocked?
Prompt 3
Help me set up AdGuard DNS on my network and pair it with this browser extension to show family-friendly block messages on blocked sites.

Frequently asked questions

What is dns-sde-extension?

A browser extension by AdGuard that replaces confusing browser errors with clear messages when a website is blocked by DNS filtering. It is a demo of Structured DNS errors showing why a site was blocked.

What language is dns-sde-extension written in?

Mainly HTML. The stack also includes HTML, Browser Extension, Chrome Extension APIs.

Is dns-sde-extension actively maintained?

Stale — no commits in 1-2 years (last push 2025-01-09).

What license does dns-sde-extension use?

No license information is provided in the repository, so usage rights are unclear.

How hard is dns-sde-extension to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated moderate, with roughly 30min to a first successful run.

Who is dns-sde-extension for?

Mainly developer.

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