In certain instances, we may earn revenue when a reader makes a purchase or completes a form through our pages or on a partner’s website. We adhere to a strict Data tracking is rampant across the World Wide Web, and DuckDuckGo stands out as a popular alternative search engine for people concerned about data privacy. But is DuckDuckGo safe?
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that doesn’t track your personal data or search history. This helps you bypass third-party tracking and targeted ads.
In this guide, I’ll explore exactly what DuckDuckGo does, how it’s different from other search engines, and how you can improve your digital security – and I’ll answer the question, “Just how safe is DuckDuckGo?”
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What is DuckDuckGo?
Over the years, it has grown beyond being a search engine and now has a privacy-focused browser for mobile and desktop, browser extensions, email protection, and VPN features.
Mainstream search engines like Google and Bing track user activity and search terms and collect large amounts of browsing data to target users with personalized ads. They also analyze data and create and share detailed user profiles with third-party advertisers, business partners, and sponsors.
DuckDuckGo, however, is a user-centric search platform that doesn’t track search or purchase history, display targeted ads, collect information about your online behavior, or share information with third parties. This makes it arguably the safest search engine around.
The company’s revenue depends on private, non-personalized ads on its search results pages, which show users localized ads without infringing on their privacy. DuckDuckGo also has a premium Privacy Pro plan to supplement its revenue.
Is DuckDuckGo Free?
All of DuckDuckGo’s core features are free, but the paid Privacy Pro plan provides a VPN, a personal informational removal service, and an identity theft restoration feature. It’s available to US residents and costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year if paid annually.
Is DuckDuckGo a VPN?
DuckDuckGo is not a VPN or proxy service, but it includes a VPN with its premium Privacy Pro plan.
You can also use VPNs from other providers with the DuckDuckGo search engine for online security and anonymity. NordVPN is among the most reliable VPNs on the market, and you can test it out with its 30-day money-back guarantee and Android trial.
How Safe is DuckDuckGo? Can You Be Tracked on DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo doesn’t track your search history, purchases, IP address, or any one of numerous other unique identifiers. Because of this, it’s better able to deliver unbiased search results. Its browser also automatically connects you to encrypted versions of websites where they’re available.
In addition, it provides various advanced online security measures to block tracking with its browser and extensions, including web and app tracking protection, Google AMP protection, and CNAME cloaking protection. DuckDuckGo’s tools prevent most third-party trackers from even loading on websites, enhancing user privacy and increasing download speeds.
It came to light in 2022 that the firm had a contractual agreement with Microsoft that allowed some third-party Microsoft scripts to load on Microsoft websites. From August 2022, however, DuckDuckGo was able to block these trackers.
My DuckDuckGo review found the provider does a great job of protecting user privacy. It’s important to remember, though, that DuckDuckGo doesn’t hide activity saved to your device, such as downloaded files, and information saved on websites, such as your IP and what you’ve clicked on.
How DuckDuckGo Protects You – Benefits of DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo takes a range of measures to protect its users. Here are some of these steps:
- No Search or History Tracking – Unlike Google, the DuckDuckGo.com search engine returns results without tracking you or your search history, it doesn’t store your history, and it doesn’t share this data with third parties. As its privacy policy simply states, “We don’t track you.” If you’re using the search engine on Chrome, then your past searches will still show up in the browser history, however.
- Fire Button – Pressing DuckDuckGo’s Fire Button in its browser closes all tabs and clears all traces of sites you’ve visited, including your browsing history, website caches, favicons, cookies, and permission settings across your camera, mic, and location.
- Cookie Consent Management – Cookie consent pop-ups are distracting, so DuckDuckGo neatly manages them for you with its browser by automatically selecting the best option to maximize privacy. If a site lacks cookie consent, DuckDuckGo hides the pop-up rather than accept cookies.
- Cookie and Tracker Blocking – The DuckDuckGo browser blocks first-party and third-party cookies that facilitate on-site and cross-site tracking to display targeted ads. If the cookies are necessary for site functionality, the browser gives them a seven-day expiration date, and if it detects third-party tracking requests are needed for site functionality, it imposes a 24-hour expiration term on them. The browser also prevents third-party tracker requests from loading and profiling you.
- Auto HTTPS Upgrade – If you’re visiting an unencrypted website – the address starts with HTTP – then then the DuckDuckGo browser will automatically switch to the encrypted, HTTPS version of the site, wherever available. This feature is specific to the browser and doesn’t apply to the DuckDuckGo search engine.
Why DuckDuckGo is Bad – Downsides of DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo has put considerable effort into prioritizing user privacy without compromising on usability. However, it has some limitations, such as:
- Less Personalized Results – Since DuckDuckGo restricts online activity tracking to boost privacy, you’ll get less personalized search results.
- Limited Search Results – DuckDuckGo uses an in-house crawler to index websites, and it sources search results from sites like Wikipedia and Bing. Google has superior web crawling and indexing, however, so it can deliver more extensive search results.
- Lack of Total Anonymity – The DuckDuckGo search engine doesn’t stop your ISP from tracking your activity or websites from logging your visits. You can enhance your privacy online, however, by using the best VPNs, like NordVPN, which can secure and anonymize your connection, making you untrackable.
- No AI-integrated Search – Google and Bing employ generative AI in their search results to answer search queries faster and to deliver more comprehensive results. DuckDuckGo doesn’t currently offer any AI-integrated search.
- Limited Extensions – Most popular browsers have thousands of extensions that allow you to add functionality to your browser – but DuckDuckGo doesn’t currently support extensions at all.
DuckDuckGo vs Google – Is DuckDuckGo Better Than Google?
A key difference between DuckDuckGo and Google is just how popular and powerful Google is, though DuckDuckGo is a far better search engine for privacy. Here’s how they compare:
Is DuckDuckGo Legit? DuckDuckGo vs Other Search Engines
While Google is the most popular search engine today, it’s far from the only option available. Here’s how DuckDuckGo compares with other mainstream search engines:
How to Increase Your Privacy on DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo has powerful privacy features compared to most other internet browsers, but there are additional steps you can take to further protect yourself. These include:
- Get a VPN – Virtual Private Networks encrypt your internet connection to enhance your privacy online. VPNs like NordVPN can ensure hackers, your ISP, and government agencies are unable to monitor your online activity.
- Use Antivirus Software – Although a VPN keeps you secure online, it won’t protect your device from malware, ransomware, viruses, and spyware. The best antivirus software promises 24/7 real-time monitoring to safeguard your devices and personal details from digital threats. Some of the best antiviruses with VPN functionality also include advanced identity protection features, including ransom and ID theft coverage.
- Use a Password Manager – Password managers like NordPass generate strong passwords and can store login information and payment details – and they can be invaluable for securing your accounts. Many also include monitoring tools to check for data breaches and compromised accounts, enabling you to take prompt action in the event your details are leaked. See our guide to the best password managers for further information.
If you’re curious about the safety of other online services, you may also be interested in our guide on whether TikTok is safe.
Conclusion – Is DuckDuckGo Really Private? Does DuckDuckGo Work?
DuckDuckGo’s comprehensive privacy protection makes it far more effective than more popular search engines for users seeking security and anonymity online. The independent search engine works without tracking your data or search history, and the firm provides a browser that’s able to block trackers and cookies and maximize settings for privacy.
So, is DuckDuckGo good? Absolutely. There’s still room for third parties to track your activity online, though, which is why I recommend using digital security tools like VPNs, antiviruses, and password managers. Combining these tools with DuckDuckGo will ensure the most secure and private browsing experience possible.
FAQs
Can I trust DuckDuckGo?
Is DuckDuckGo owned by Google?
Is DuckDuckGo safer than Google?
What is the downside of DuckDuckGo?
Can hackers track you on DuckDuckGo?
Why is DuckDuckGo not more popular?
References
- DuckDuckGo Privacy Policy (DuckDuckGo)
- Revealed: 50 million Facebook profiles harvested for Cambridge Analytica in major data breach (The Guardian)
- DuckDuckGo caught giving Microsoft permission for trackers despite strong privacy reputation (9to5Mac)
- DuckDuckGo removes carve-out for Microsoft tracking scripts after securing policy change (TechCrunch)
- Google Settles Lawsuit Over Tracking ‘Incognito Mode’ Chrome Users (DarkReading)
- ‘Privacy-safe’ search engine DuckDuckGo latest internet service to get blocked in China (SCMP)
