Is DuckDuckGo Safe? Is it Better than Google?

Can you search for what you want without compromising your privacy? Of course!

This article answers the popular questions: “What is DuckDuckGo?” and “Is DuckDuckGo safe?”

DuckDuckGo is a game-changing search engine. It prioritizes user privacy and provides a secure, straightforward search and browsing experience.

Read on! Learn “Is DuckDuckGo Safe” and how it differs from Google, and learn some simple tips to maximize your search engine safety.

What is DuckDuckGo?

DuckDuckGo is an Internet privacy company founded in 2008 by Gabriel Weinberg. It offers a privacy-focused search engine and various applications and extensions.

Among them, the Internet search engine DuckDuckGo is very famous. It prioritizes user privacy and avoids the “filter bubble” effect caused by personalized search. Unlike other search engines, DuckDuckGo does not profile its users or display different results based on user profiles.

Instead, it provides the same search results to everyone who uses the same keywords. This approach ensures that users get the best results.

DuckDuckGo’s encryption solves the “search leak” problem, ensuring that the search keywords you enter are not sent to the websites you visit. This commitment to privacy has made DuckDuckGo the default search engine for Tor.

Is DuckDuckGo Safe?

Yes, DuckDuckGo is considered one of the safest search engines available today. Here are the reasons why DuckDuckGo is safe and secure:

1. DuckDuckGo does not track search history

DuckDuckGo does not track or store your search history. Unlike mainstream search engines like Google, which collect and store user data, DuckDuckGo does not retain any personal information unless you explicitly choose to share it.

2. DuckDuckGo uses encryption

DuckDuckGo uses encryption to address the “search leak” problem, ensuring that the search terms you enter are not sent to the websites you visit. Privacy enthusiasts favor this end-to-end encryption because it keeps search queries private.

3. No Browsing History Storage

DuckDuckGo ensures that your browsing history is not saved or shared. The search engine sends the request from its servers to the web page on your behalf, meaning that the website you visit will not know that you are searching for a specific topic.

4. No Sale of Personal Information

DuckDuckGo has a strict policy against selling user data. Their policy states: “We have never sold any personal information. Period.”

5. Transparency

DuckDuckGo is transparent about how information is used. While your device automatically sends certain information (such as IP address, browser type, and language) to facilitate a smooth connection, DuckDuckGo only temporarily uses this data to ensure that you are not a robot and to provide the content you want.

6. Minimal Cookie Usage

DuckDuckGo allows you to configure your search settings to use only anonymous cookies. It also provides the ability to remove tracking parameters from URLs and only uses the necessary storage space to allow specific features to function properly.

7. Apple’s Consideration

Apple, which focuses on user privacy, considered switching from Google to DuckDuckGo as the default search engine for private browsing mode. Although the partnership did not materialize due to DuckDuckGo’s relationship with Microsoft, the fact that Apple considered this shift speaks volumes about DuckDuckGo’s reputation for privacy and security.

DuckDuckGo is a safe search engine that adheres to a strict privacy policy, does not track user activity, and handles user data transparently.

DuckDuckGo vs. Google: Which is Better?

Since DuckDuckGo has so many advantages, which one is better, DuckDuckGo VS. Google?

Let’s compare the two search engines in detail.

1. Privacy

• DuckDuckGo: DuckDuckGo is known for its commitment to user privacy. It does not track or store your search queries, so you get unbiased results.
• Google: Google collects much user data and tracks your search history to provide personalized search results. This provides you with convenience, but it also means that you may see many targeted ads based on your search activities.

2. User experience

• DuckDuckGo: Simple and privacy-focused, DuckDuckGo provides a direct search experience without the clutter of targeted ads.
• Google: It provides an intuitive interface, integrates with other Google services such as Google Maps and Google Workspace, and offers a diverse user experience.

3. Unique features

• DuckDuckGo: Features like Bangs allow direct website searches, and the one-click scrolling experience is more friendly.
• Google: Has integrated services, extensive vertical search, and advanced features such as Google Maps and Google Workspace.

4. Advertising

• DuckDuckGo: Ads are based on search results rather than user data, ensuring a more private browsing experience.
• Google: Leverages targeted advertising based on your search history and other personal data to provide more targeted ads.

5. Video search experience

• DuckDuckGo: Basic video search capabilities.
• Google: Integrates with YouTube to provide a rich video search experience with preview and playback capabilities.

How to Use DuckDuckGo Safely?

After comparing DuckDuckGo and Google, it’s clear that DuckDuckGo offers superior privacy features.

However, despite its strong focus on privacy, there are still ways to increase your online security when using DuckDuckGo.

1. Use a high-quality VPN

Using DuckDuckGo with a reliable VPN（LightningX VPN）can significantly enhance your online privacy.

Because a VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic, not just your searches.
Rerouting your online traffic through a VPN server will hide your IP address.

2. Enable anti-malware protection

For added security, use an anti-malware tool. It blocks access to harmful websites that could harm your device and blocks ads.

3. Stay informed and cautious

Even when using DuckDuckGo and LightningX VPN, be cautious about clicking on links on the web.
Keep your browser, VPN, and anti-malware tools updated to protect against the latest threats.

FAQ about DuckDuckGo