DuckDuckGo is safe to use for everyday browsing because it is designed to reduce tracking and clear browsing data, though it is not risk-free. Its main privacy protections are the Fire Button, which deletes on-device data, and App Tracking Protection on Android, which blocks third-party trackers in other apps.
What is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused browser and search service founded in 2008. It operates under a core pledge not to collect or share personal information related to your searches or use of the platform, making it a more private alternative to search engines like Google. DuckDuckGo search results come from a compilation of over 400 different sources, including its own DuckDuckBot, Bing, Yahoo!, Search Boss, and Wikipedia (but not Google). DuckDuckGo does not place paid links ahead of organic search results. DuckDuckGo automatically filters out known disinformation, 'content mills,' and low-quality content. DuckDuckGo has released parts of their source code for their extensions and apps to GitHub under an Apache 2.0 License.
How the Fire Button protects your data
The Fire Button deletes on-device browsing data, including cookies, website caches, favicons, browsing session information, open tabs, back button history, visited URLs, and website permissions such as geolocation, camera, and microphone settings. This action clears local data that could otherwise be used to track your activity across sessions.
How to use the Fire Button
- Open the DuckDuckGo Browser app on desktop or mobile.
- Tap or click the Fire Button icon.
- Choose to delete all browsing data from all open tabs, or just the data from the tab you are currently on.
You can turn off advertisements in DuckDuckGo search settings: Open the DuckDuckGo web page, click the settings menu (three horizontal lines) > All Settings > General tab > Advertisements > turn Off > Save and Exit.
App Tracking Protection on Android
App Tracking Protection, available in the DuckDuckGo Android browser, helps block third-party trackers in other apps even when you are not actively using those apps.
Where DuckDuckGo is available
DuckDuckGo provides web tracking protections across browsers and platforms. Official apps are available for iPhone and iPad, Android, Mac, and Windows. Browser extensions are also available for Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Opera.
What DuckDuckGo does not protect against
The Fire Button only deletes on-device browsing data and permissions; it does not delete server-side data or provide complete anonymity. App Tracking Protection is documented only for Android, so iPhone users do not have the same protection. DuckDuckGo blocks Google Chrome’s Topics and FLEDGE tracking methods. DuckDuckGo does not guarantee complete privacy in every context, and your activity can still be visible to internet service providers, viruses, or malware, especially on wireless networks and hotspots.
Verdict: Is DuckDuckGo safe to use?
DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused tool that reduces tracking and clears local data, making it safer than many alternatives for privacy-conscious users. However, it is not a complete privacy solution and does not replace the need for additional protections like a VPN or antivirus software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DuckDuckGo owned by Google?
No, it is headquartered in Paoli, Pennsylvania.
Can you still be tracked on DuckDuckGo?
While DuckDuckGo itself does not track you, you can still be tracked by internet service providers, websites that use third-party trackers, or malware. The DuckDuckGo browser blocks many trackers and cookies, but no tool offers complete protection against all tracking methods.
What are the downsides of DuckDuckGo?
The main downside is the lack of personalization. Since DuckDuckGo does not save your search history or personal data, it cannot tailor search results or suggestions to you. It also lacks integrated services like maps, email, or app stores that are common in Google’s ecosystem.
