Description
DuckDuckGo is a free search engine whose purpose is to protect user privacy, similar to Qwant. Available as an online service, web browser extension, and free mobile app, DuckDuckGo does not store any personal information or private data. Your confidentiality is assured.
It also includes an ad blocker and allows your settings to be synchronized so that they can be found on other devices with DuckDuckGo. Of course, the creation of an anonymous account is necessary to set up this backup of the parameters in the cloud.
Only downside: DuckDuckGo is of American origin, and even if it promises not to record the searches carried out, it is dependent on the legislation of the United States and could have to collaborate on request from the American authorities. DuckDuckGo is entirely available in French.
Why use DuckDuckGo?
Very easy to access, the search engine can be opened from the online service link directly in your browser whatever it is, and under any operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS ).
DuckDuckGo offers a good level of security, and is even accessible on the anonymous Tor network, better-known thanks to the Tor Browser browser. DuckDuckGo supports the idea that the same searches should bring everyone the same results, unlike Google, which voluntarily wants to adapt to the profile of the person doing the searches.
Its interface is the same as that of other competing engines. A frame for entering keywords is available in the center of the page, enter your search then validate with the Enter key or click on the magnifying glass. The results are displayed as in the other engines. You can filter them by Images, Videos, News, Maps, and Shopping.
You can set display preferences: several color themes including dark mode, font size, type, display language, etc. A parental filter can also be enabled and set to Strict or Moderate depending on the age of the user. You can even set the region (country) you want to search for. Other options are accessible such as autocompletion (help with automatic completion), measurement unit preferences, rendering method for interactive maps, activation of the ad blocker, authorization of keyboard shortcuts, etc.
What are the different versions of DuckDuckGo?
In addition to the search engine, note that DuckDuckGo also exists as an extension for internet browsers ( Firefox, Google Chrome, etc.): DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials. This extension, in addition to changing your default engine, protects you against ad trackers, makes your search history confidential, and gives you full control over your personal data. DuckDuckGo also increases your browsing security by creating encryption protection.
Also, you can download the apps for Android and iOS. It is a complete browser, private browsing, and privacy-oriented. It blocks advertising trackers that track you in order to make you commercial offers and does not keep any browsing history. No data entered in the search engine is saved. Note that you can find your preferences and settings through your account and the activation of the synchronization module.
But that’s not all, since the Android version offers protection against the tracking of other applications installed on your smartphone or tablet, as well as a feature to block email trackers also recently added.
The mobile applications for iPhone and iPad also include a browser lock system with Touch ID or Face ID to protect your data.
Full versions for PC and Mac are in development. The beta for Mac is already available for download (via our link).
What’s new in the latest version of DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo regularly improves its search engine results. In the mobile application, it is now possible to obtain the favorites in the results of the autocomplete in order to access your favorite sites more quickly.
DuckDuckGo becomes more respectful of your privacy with the blocking of Microsoft trackers.
DuckDuckGo opens its email protection service to everyone
DuckDuckGo blocks Google login pop-ups in the name of privacy
DuckDuckGo is also launching into AI and offers its conversational agent DuckAssist. This chatbot is based on the artificial intelligence of ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, and on data from Wikipedia, Britannica, and other online encyclopedias.
Which OS is DuckDuckGo compatible with?
DuckDuckGo comes in several different structures.
You can use the online service directly from any computer (under Windows, Mac or Linux, Android or iOS) provided you have an internet browser.
You can download and install the extension for your browser and thus take advantage of DuckDuckGo as the default search engine in the available search boxes.
And, finally, it is possible to download the mobile applications on your Android smartphone or tablet (Google Play Store), iPhone, or iPad (App Store). The free application allows you to benefit from a safe and intuitive browser.
In addition to everything that was already available, DuckDuckGo launched its dedicated web browsers. While the PC version is still under development, the macOS version is already available for download in beta.
What are the best alternatives to DuckDuckGo?
Many alternative search engines are available for free.
Qwant is a French search engine available as an online service and mobile application. Privacy and confidentiality of your research are at the heart of the concerns of the designers and users of the platform, which now has several million unique visitors each month in France alone.
Qwant is also one of the first search engines to offer a specific version for the youngest with Qwant Junior. Navigation is more secure and search results are adapted for a younger audience. The tool is also available for Android, iPhone, and iPad smartphones and tablets. If you are looking for a safe tool for children, you can use the online service: Kiddle. On the other hand, Kiddle’s interface and results are entirely in English.
Very popular, Ecosia uses Bing as a search engine and Yahoo! for advertisements. It is therefore not really an alternative search engine, but using it allows you to contribute to the preservation of the environment. It takes about 45 searches to participate in the financing of reforestation. Available without download via the online service, or via the download of the free mobile application.
Available for download for smartphones and tablets and online services, Lilo is a French search engine that finances social and environmental projects thanks to the research of its users. Advertising is present but makes it possible to finance actions and donations to associations. You even have the possibility to choose which cause or association you wish to support.
Available as an online service or browser extension, Privado Private Search does not allow any advertising cookies to collect your data for commercial purposes. Your privacy is guaranteed and your research concerns only you.
Although the reference searches engines such as Google, Microsoft Bing, and Yahoo Search are not the most famous when it comes to privacy, they nevertheless try to make efforts in terms of the privacy of Internet users with a few options and navigation windows. private.