This is the reply:

As a model running through DuckDuckGo’s privacy layer, I can provide you with accurate information about their privacy features.

DuckDuckGo is a search engine that prioritizes user privacy. They have a strong commitment to protecting user data and have implemented various measures to ensure anonymity. Here are some key aspects of their privacy features:

  • No tracking: DuckDuckGo does not track users’ searches, browsing history, or any other personal information.
  • No personal data collection: They do not collect or store any personal data, including IP addresses, user agents, or other identifiable information.
  • Encrypted searches: Searches are encrypted, which means that even your ISP or network administrators cannot see what you’re searching for.
  • No targeted ads: DuckDuckGo does not display targeted ads, which reduces the risk of data collection and profiling.

Regarding cases where DuckDuckGo’s privacy was questioned, there have been a few instances:

  • 2011: DuckDuckGo was criticized for using Amazon Associates, which could potentially track user behavior. However, they quickly addressed the issue and removed the affiliate program.
  • 2019: A security researcher discovered a bug in DuckDuckGo’s browser extension that could potentially leak user data. The issue was promptly fixed, and an audit was conducted to ensure the security of their systems.
  • 2020: DuckDuckGo faced criticism for using Microsoft’s Bing API, which some argued could compromise user privacy. However, DuckDuckGo clarified that they do not share user data with Microsoft and that their partnership is limited to search results.

It’s essential to note that DuckDuckGo has consistently demonstrated a commitment to user privacy and has taken steps to address any concerns or issues that have arisen. They are transparent about their practices and have implemented robust measures to protect user data.

If you have any more questions or concerns about DuckDuckGo’s privacy features, feel free to ask!


Is anybody using duckduckgo over searx or other search engines? What is your experience?

  • MrSoup@lemmy.zip
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    19 days ago

    Asking a parrot if its house is safe.

    I use DDG, BTW. But searxng is very cool.

  • hexagonwin@lemmy.sdf.org
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    19 days ago

    i just use my local searxng instance and get results from like 10 engines including ddg, then filter with ublacklist

      • hexagonwin@lemmy.sdf.org
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        17 days ago

        yeah it works but if you use a local instance you have to compile the extension yourself to include your instance.

    • ssm@lemmy.sdf.org
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      19 days ago

      I love searxng in theory, and I use it as my default search engine, but very often I am missing results; I don’t know if it’s deliberate censorship from bing and google so you don’t use their apis on 3rd party platforms, or if searxng is just buggy, but no matter what search engines I enable in the config, I am missing results.

      • hexagonwin@lemmy.sdf.org
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        17 days ago

        i have that issue as well, sometimes it’s missing results and other times i get the same result repeated on page 2. not sure why that happens, but i guess it’s just a bit buggy.

  • N0x0n@lemmy.ml
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    19 days ago

    No-Script and they redirect you to their no-script search results. Pretty neat !

    But searxNG is my go to at the moment !

    • lustrum@sh.itjust.works
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      19 days ago

      It obfuscates the user each time you use it and doesn’t log any info?

      So while the query is maybe logged on chatgpts side for their own usage. Hopefully they shouldn’t be able to build a profile against you.

    • NationProtons@sh.itjust.worksOP
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      19 days ago

      Seems like you also have the option to use the open source mixtral and llama3 models.

      Also, if all the requests from their users go through their api request, i suppose is much more private than using your own account.

      I’m not sure how they plan to monetise this though. Ai chat is not that cheap actually.

  • kbal@fedia.io
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    19 days ago

    using duckduckgo over searx

    Well no, but I am getting results from duckduckgo through searx. It’s a local instance and when I’m on the road I’ll use duckduckgo instead sometimes. It’s a big drop in quality compared to getting results from six different engines.

    • NationProtons@sh.itjust.worksOP
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      19 days ago

      Is that something that would be blocked by an adblocker? Or are you talking about the shopping tab? I have not used that myself in duckduckgo

      • walter_wiggles@lemmy.nz
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        19 days ago

        No it’s like a sponsored search result. You have to go into settings > private search > more settings and then disable Advertisements.

  • land@lemmy.ml
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    17 days ago

    What are some of your favourite searx instances? I know I’m going to get some heat for this, but because of how slow searx can be + missing search results forcing me to use brave search. I usually use brave search over ddg.

    Any tips for searx to make it faster etc. would be appreciated

    • NationProtons@sh.itjust.worksOP
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      11 days ago

      I use the closest one to me from searx.space. I suppose hosting an instance yourself will give you the best response times, but it always still takes a moment while it searches through multiple search engines. If you only care about the results of one engine (e.g. google) then you could disable the others. Might speed it up a bit.