Ensuring your online privacy can feel like a complex mission, especially when you lack the right resources. A good starting point is to explore tools that are specifically designed to help you safeguard your privacy. Consider giving DuckDuckGo a try, for instance.
DuckDuckGo offers a range of privacy-enhancing solutions, such as its search engine, a Chrome browser extension, and mobile browsers for iOS and Android.
These tools collectively work towards a common goal: diminishing the prevalence of online tracking and paving the way for a more private online experience.
What is DuckDuckGo? How Does it Work?
When you use a search engine like Google, you might assume that erasing your search history guarantees your online privacy. Nevertheless, when you start noticing ads that reflect your recent searches, it becomes apparent that some Google has been monitoring your search history.
Enter DuckDuckGo. When you opt for any of DuckDuckGo’s products, they refrain from storing both your search and browsing history. Additionally, they actively block tracking cookies that try to trail your online activities. These tactics collectively aim to provide you with the utmost online privacy.
DuckDuckGo is one of the best private search engines. It is a popular choice for those who prioritize private searches. The company provides three completely free products, each with different levels of privacy. Check out how these products work before we tell you how to get started with using them.
Search engine
DuckDuckGo has its own unique search engine. What sets the DuckDuckGo search engine apart from others is its commitment to not gathering or retaining data from your previous searches for the purpose of tailoring advertisements.
Whenever you use the DuckDuckGo search engine, it treats each instance as if it is your initial time using it. It offers you a clean slate while you are exploring online. The search engine does not record your search queries or insert tracking cookies into your browser.
Advertisements will indeed appear on the search results page of DuckDuckGo. However, these ads are relevant to your current search, focusing solely on what you are currently looking for rather than being influenced by any past search activities.
Chrome extension
You can seamlessly incorporate DuckDuckGo into your Chrome web browser through its dedicated extension. This added feature brings an extra layer of privacy that Chrome might lack inherently.
By integrating the DuckDuckGo extension, you gain the ability to thwart websites’ attempts to deploy tracking cookies on your Chrome browser.
Moreover, the extension enforces the use of encrypted connections whenever feasible on websites that support this security measure. This ensures a more fortified browsing experience. Once you have installed the DuckDuckGo Chrome extension, the DuckDuckGo search engine takes the reins as your default search engine, stepping in for the commonly used Google search engine.
Mobile browser
When you set up the DuckDuckGo mobile browser, you gain access to the same privacy benefits we covered earlier when discussing DuckDuckGo’s Google Chrome extension.
The DuckDuckGo mobile browser offers all the features you would anticipate in a browser, including the convenience of saving bookmarks. In addition, it comes with some added privacy enhancements, like a Fire button that swiftly clears your ongoing browsing session.
Related Read: Is DuckDuckGo Safe to Use?
How to use DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo can be used through different methods including adding the DuckDuckGo Chrome extension, visiting the DuckDuckGo website, and downloading the DuckDuckGo mobile browser. Here is a breakdown of each method:
Add the DuckDuckGo Chrome extension
Just follow these steps:
- Open the Chrome browser.
- Click the three dots on the top right corner of your screen and select Extensions.
- Go to the Chrome Web Store and type DuckDuckGo in the search bar.
- The DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials extension will appear. Click it.
- Hit the Add to Chrome button to install the extension.
- Then, click Add Extension and wait a few seconds.
- The DuckDuckGo extension will now be added to your Chrome browser.
Visit the DuckDuckGo website
Just follow these steps:
- Open any web browser on your computer.
- In the address bar, type “www.duckduckgo.com” and hit Enter.
- You will be taken to the DuckDuckGo search engine homepage.
- Simply enter your search query to perform a search. DuckDuckGo will display search results with a focus on privacy!
Download the DuckDuckGo browser
Just follow these steps:
- Open the Play Store or the App Store on your mobile device.
- Type DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser in the search box.
- Find the official DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser app and download it.
- After installation, open the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser app and start using DuckDuckGo!
DuckDuckGo vs Google
DuckDuckGo and Google are two different search engines and both of them have different approaches to privacy and search functionality. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Privacy: DuckDuckGo prioritizes user privacy by not tracking or storing personal information. Search queries are not tied to your identity, and ads are non-personalized. Google, on the other hand, collects user data to personalize search results and ads. This may lead to more targeted advertisements and search suggestions.
- Search Results: DuckDuckGo tends to focus on providing unbiased and privacy-focused search results. Google offers highly personalized results based on your search history, location, and other factors.
- Advertising: DuckDuckGo displays ads that are not based on personal information, and they are clearly marked as ads. Google displays ads that are often personalized based on user data and search history.
- Data Collection: DuckDuckGo minimizes data collection and emphasizes privacy. Google collects and analyzes data for various purposes, including improving services and targeting advertisements.
Related Read: 5 Best Private Search Engines You Can Use in Place of Google
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make DuckDuckGo my default search engine?
To set DuckDuckGo as your default search engine, follow these steps:
- In Chrome, click the three vertical dots, go to Settings > Search engine and choose DuckDuckGo from the drop-down menu.
- In Edge, click the three vertical dots, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services on the left side of the screen. Then scroll down and click Address bar and search and choose DuckDuckGo from the drop-down menu.
- In Firefox, click the three horizontal dots, go to Settings > Search > and click the drop-down menu and choose DuckDuckGo.
Is DuckDuckGo a VPN?
Often misconceived due to its strong privacy features, DuckDuckGo is sometimes thought to be a VPN. However, it is important to clarify that DuckDuckGo is primarily a search engine designed to protect your online identity.
If you are looking to enhance your privacy while using DuckDuckGo, you can take it a step further by using PureVPN. This added security ensures that even DuckDuckGo’s private browser won’t have access to your hidden IP address.
How does DuckDuckGo make money?
DuckDuckGo makes money by displaying non-intrusive ads on its search pages. Unlike other search engines, DuckDuckGo does not collect or sell your data. These ads are contextually relevant to your search queries, preserving your privacy while still supporting the service’s operations.
Final word
As the demand for online privacy intensifies amid rising concerns over data breaches and tracking, DuckDuckGo emerges as the optimal choice for private web searching with its unwavering commitment to data protection, anonymity, and unbiased search results. If you want to add an additional privacy layer, we recommend using DuckDuckGo in conjunction with PureVPN.
