Yes, DuckDuckGo is safe to use. Known for its commitment to not tracking users, it offers greater user privacy than widely used search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing. In fact, we frequently name it as the best search engine for privacy. However, privacy and security are not absolute, and users should still be aware of the privacy risks while using DuckDuckGo.
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What is DuckDuckGo?
Can you be tracked on DuckDuckGo?
9 advantages and disadvantages of DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo vs. other search engines
How to use DuckDuckGo safely
What is DuckDuckGo?
Founded in 2008 by Gabriel Weinberg, DuckDuckGo is a tech company that’s known for its flagship product: the DuckDuckGo search engine. DuckDuckGo’s core philosophy is simple: your data is yours alone. If you don’t willingly hand over your personal info, the search engine won’t hoard it.
Its staunch commitment to user privacy sets it apart because, unlike more mainstream search engines—like Google, which is used for about 85% of searches worldwide—DuckDuckGo doesn’t track or store your queries. This means greater privacy for users, along with significantly fewer ads in search results. This privacy-focused approach has made DuckDuckGo the default search engine for Tor (The Onion Router), known for its anonymous browsing capabilities.
DuckDuckGo also makes a browser, offering greater privacy while you visit websites, not just while searching. Its browser blocks third-party trackers from companies like Google and Facebook, and does more to conceal your activity from the sites you visit (such as the previous site you visited). However, this article is primarily about the search engine.
Read more: Best private search engines for secure and anonymous browsing
Can you be tracked on DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo’s privacy policy boldly proclaims “We don’t track you. That’s our Privacy Policy in a nutshell.” Because it does not record user information, it cannot create a history of a user’s search queries or the sites they browsed. “Viewing search results on DuckDuckGo is anonymous.” In contrast to Google’s business practices, DuckDuckGo says it has “never sold any personal information. Period.”
So DuckDuckGo isn’t tracking you. What about third parties? Are your searches safe from them? There are ways for someone to track what you’ve searched for—but they require the intruder to have access to your device or for you to reveal your information directly.
When you can’t be tracked
- No data collection: DuckDuckGo differentiates itself from other search engines like Google by not collecting user data. When you perform a search, you are completely anonymous to DuckDuckGo, with no history.
- Secure search transmission: DuckDuckGo uses the POST method for search queries, enhancing transmission security compared to the standard GET method used by many search engines. This reduces tracking and data leakage risks.
- HTTPS encryption: DuckDuckGo ensures you’re visiting a site with HTTPS encryption if it’s available, which secures data during transmission.
When you can be tracked
- Activity saved to your device: The encryption provided by DuckDuckGo doesn’t extend to data stored locally on your device. This means that your local search history can still be accessible and trackable on your end.
- Visual tracking on DuckDuckGo: Certain user interactions within DuckDuckGo, like clicked links changing color (i.e. going from white to grey), are visually trackable on your device:
- User input on external sites: If you share personal information while using DuckDuckGo, like signing up for services or entering data on websites, these actions can lead to tracking by those external sites. DuckDuckGo doesn’t track your personal information, but it can’t control external site behaviors.
DuckDuckGo’s past tracking concerns
DuckDuckGo’s policy firmly states no collection or sharing of personal information, even if you willingly choose to share it with them. However, in the past, DuckDuckGo’s browser allowed some Microsoft trackers as part of a syndication agreement. This raised concerns among users about the level of privacy offered. The issue was resolved in August 2022, with DuckDuckGo enhancing its privacy measures to disallow Microsoft tracking scripts in its browsing apps and extensions. However, despite the resolution, the incident highlighted the need for ongoing transparency in privacy-focused services.
9 advantages and disadvantages of DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is renowned for its commitment to user privacy, but like any technology, it has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help you appreciate the search engine’s value and understand its limitations.
| Pros | Cons |
| 1. HTTPS by default: DuckDuckGo employs HTTPS encryption which forces sites you visit to use an encrypted connection wherever possible. | 1. Local device vulnerability: DuckDuckGo’s encryption doesn’t extend to data stored on your device, which can still be accessed and tracked. |
| 2. No search leakage: By using the POST method for searches and not sending referrer headers, DuckDuckGo minimizes the risk of your search terms being shared. | 2. External site data sharing: While DuckDuckGo doesn’t track your information, external sites can still track data if you share personal details on them. |
| 3. No stored user data: The search engine doesn’t track or store user data, and only stores the necessary data for basic functions like spelling corrections and search suggestions. | 3. Some tools function suboptimally: Certain integrated tools, like Apple Maps, may not perform as effectively as their counterparts in other search engines. |
| 4. Global Privacy Control (GPC): This feature sends a legally binding request to sites not to collect or sell user data, offering more enforceable privacy than standard Do Not Track (DNT) requests. | 4. Slower organic search results: DuckDuckGo’s commitment to privacy, which includes not tracking or storing user data, can lead to less optimized and slightly slower search responses compared to engines that personalize results using user data. |
| 5. Private search: DuckDuckGo follows a no-logs policy, ensuring no user-identifiable data like IP addresses or search queries are stored. Through its Privacy Essential extension, DuckDuckGo also blocks intrusive ads. | 5. Reliance on Bing: DuckDuckGo largely sources its search results from Bing, which might be a downside for users who don’t like Bing search results. |
| 6. Privacy Grade rating: DuckDuckGo evaluates websites for their privacy practices and assigns a Privacy Grade, aiding users in making informed decisions about the sites they visit. | 6. Limited privacy with “!bang” feature: DuckDuckGo’s !bang allows quick searches on specific sites directly from the search bar. However, this convenience comes with a privacy trade-off. For example, searching Google through !bang is similar to searching directly on Google, where your searches and data may be tracked. |
| 7. Content Security Policy (CPS): DuckDuckGo’s CSP also prevents your browser from accessing any known malicious sites. | 7. Search terms in URL: DuckDuckGo shows search terms in the URL, unlike some private engines that encrypt URLs. This can be a privacy concern, as it makes search terms visible and potentially accessible in browser history or to anyone with access to your device. |
| 8. Pure search results: DuckDuckGo provides unbiased search results not influenced by user location or browsing history. The search engine also offers a single endless scroll instead of multiple pages. | 8. Search terms in browser history: Since search terms appear in the address bar, they’re also recorded in browser history. This could compromise privacy, especially if steps to clear history or use private browsing modes aren’t consistently taken. |
| 9. Burn bar: Available via DuckDuckGo’s mobile app, this fire symbol allows for the easy erasure of browsing data and cookies after each session. | 9. Optional location sharing: DuckDuckGo allows optional sharing of approximate location for localized results. While it doesn’t share specific details like IP or identifiable information, this feature might raise privacy concerns for some users. |
DuckDuckGo vs. other search engines
Choosing the right search engine and web browser isn’t just about finding information quickly. It’s a balance between protecting your privacy and enjoying a feature-rich online experience. To help you weigh the trade-offs between the two, we’ve compared DuckDuckGo, Google, Bing, and Yahoo:
| Feature | DuckDuckGo | Bing | Yahoo | |
| Privacy | High (doesn’t track or store user data) | Low (collects extensive user data) | Low (collects user data) | Low (collects user data) |
| Search personalization | None (no user data used) | High (tailored results based on user data) | Moderate (uses some user data) | Moderate (uses some user data) |
| User experience | Simplified, privacy-focused | Intuitive and integrated with other Google services | Visually appealing with unique daily background images | Customizable interface with news and other features |
| Unique features | !Bangs for direct website searches; one-scroll experience | Integrated services like Google Maps, Google Workspace | Strong video indexing; Bing Rewards program | Integrated with Yahoo’s other services like Yahoo Mail |
| Local search and geo-targeting | Basic (general region estimation) | Advanced (precise location targeting) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Search verticals | Web, Image, Video, News, Maps | Extensive (Web, Image, Video, etc.) | Web, Image, Video, News, Maps | Web, Image, Video, News, Maps |
| Advertising | Based on search results, not the user | Targeted based on user data | Targeted with an option for rewards | Targeted based on user data |
| Video search experience | Basic | Integrated with YouTube | Preview and playback features | Basic |
| Web browser | DuckDuckGo Browser (privacy-focused) | Google Chrome (feature-rich, integrated) | Microsoft Edge (integrated with Windows, Rewards) | No dedicated browser |
How to use DuckDuckGo safely
Even though DuckDuckGo is renowned for its privacy focus, ramping up your safety game is always a smart bet. The most straightforward way to do this? Pair DuckDuckGo with a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN.
When you use a VPN with DuckDuckGo, your internet connection becomes a fortress. It’s not just about hiding your searches; a VPN encrypts all your browsing activity and app uses. This setup creates a shield against data-hungry internet service providers, nosy Wi-Fi admins, and lurking hackers, ensuring that your traffic is known only to you.
What’s your go-to search engine and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
FAQ: About DuckDuckGo safety
Which search engine is safe: Google or DuckDuckGo?
When considering the safety of search engines like Google and DuckDuckGo, it largely depends on what you mean by “safe.” Both are safe in terms of protecting your computer from malware and using secure connections (HTTPS) to transmit search queries and results. However, they differ significantly in terms of privacy and data handling:
Google:
- Google collects a lot of data about users’ searches, location, device information, and browsing habits if you are signed in and have not adjusted your privacy settings.
- This data is often used to personalize search results and ads.
- Google has robust security measures in place to protect this data from unauthorized access.
DuckDuckGo:
- DuckDuckGo emphasizes user privacy. It does not track or store personal information about its users’ search activities.
- This means less personalized search results and ads.
- DuckDuckGo is often recommended for users who prioritize privacy over personalized search experiences.
So, if your primary concern is privacy and avoiding data collection, DuckDuckGo is considered “safer.” If you’re more concerned about personalized search results and are comfortable with Google’s data collection practices, then Google could be seen as a better option for your needs.
Is DuckDuckGo owned by Google?
No, DuckDuckGo is not owned by Google. DuckDuckGo is an independent search engine that was founded by Gabriel Weinberg in 2008. It operates separately from Google and is known for its focus on user privacy, including not tracking its users’ search activities. This is in contrast to Google’s approach, which involves collecting and using user data for various purposes, including personalizing search results and advertisements.
Is DuckDuckGo part of the dark web?
No, DuckDuckGo is not part of the dark web. DuckDuckGo is a publicly accessible internet search engine like Google or Bing. However, it’s known for its strong privacy policies, such as not tracking user searches or activities.
The confusion might arise from the fact that DuckDuckGo offers a .onion version of its search engine, accessible via the Tor network, which is often associated with the dark web. The purpose of this .onion service is to provide additional privacy and security for users, especially those who might be under heavy surveillance or censorship. This doesn’t make DuckDuckGo a part of the dark web; rather, it’s a service offered to enhance user privacy. The dark web, on the other hand, refers to a part of the internet only accessible via specific software like Tor.
Does DuckDuckGo hide IP addresses?
No, DuckDuckGo does not hide your IP address. As a search engine, DuckDuckGo does not track or store your personal information, including your IP address, when you use it for searching the web. But the sites you visit will still know your IP address. If you want to hide your IP address, you would need to use tools like VPNs or the Tor network. DuckDuckGo offers a Tor .onion service, which provides additional privacy protections when accessed through the Tor browser.
Why would someone want to use DuckDuckGo?
People might choose to use DuckDuckGo for several reasons, primarily centered around privacy and data protection:
- Privacy protection: DuckDuckGo doesn’t track or store personal information related to your searches. This means your search history isn’t recorded, making it a popular choice for users concerned about their online privacy.
- No personalized tracking: Unlike some other search engines, DuckDuckGo does not create user profiles based on search history or behavior. This can be appealing for those who don’t want their search data used for targeted advertising or personalized search results.
- Simplicity and clean interface: DuckDuckGo offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface, which is appealing to users who prefer a no-nonsense approach to search.
- Avoid filter bubbles: Since it doesn’t personalize search results based on your past behavior, DuckDuckGo can help users avoid “filter bubbles.” This is where a search engine shows results it thinks you’ll like, potentially limiting exposure to differing viewpoints.
- Security features: DuckDuckGo includes features like encrypted searches and protection against tracking networks, contributing to a more secure browsing experience.
- Open source elements: Some of DuckDuckGo’s components are open source, which can be appealing to advocates of open-source software.
- Bangs feature: DuckDuckGo offers a unique feature called “!bangs” that allows users to search directly on other websites, such as Amazon, Wikipedia, or YouTube, using a simple shortcut in the search bar. However, this feature comes with some privacy limitations.
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