DuckDuckGo is an online search engine that helps you to search out everything at one click just like Google. If you are among those who value privacy then a question might pop up in your mind is DuckDuckGo safe? Well! The answer is yes. When using Duckduckgo, it does not track your searches or collect your personal information. Let’s delve deeper into its protective features to see how it can protect your needs online.
What is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a search engine, just like Google but DuckDuckGo values privacy. It does not record your searches or any other personal data, making it virtually impossible for advertisers to track or target you. DuckDuckGo does not store your IDs or queries in an account.
In fact, there are more than 100 million queries entered into the search engine on a daily basis. Using DuckDuckGo is really easy and straight to the point: just type in what you want and DuckDuckGo will provide you with an answer.
There is absolutely no signup, no advertisements, and most importantly, it will always be free of cost. Keeping your credentials secure and secret is DuckDuckGo’s utmost priority.
Can I be tracked on DuckDuckGo?
No, the platform stores no personal data and does not track what users have searched for. Cookies and IPs are two things that are commonly used by search engines to track their users. However, this is not the case with DuckDuckGo since it does not use these features as well because the company does not build a profile for the user due to which they will not see targeted ads after a search.
Apart from other platforms, DuckDuckGo does not allow website trackers. When a website targets you for tracking, the browser shuts down or the application turns off. You will be amazed to know that DuckDuckGo blocked more than 35 billion trackers in 2023, ensuring safety, which makes DuckDuckGo safe.
Filter inappropriate content, and receive alerts at anytime
Why is DuckDuckGo safe?
DuckDuckGo, as a search engine, promotes smooth searching without the fear of tracking, building trust with its users by protecting their internet privacy. Let’s analyze the functionalities that assure a worry-free browsing experience for you through the usage of the DuckDuckGo application.
Built-in password manager
You do not have to worry about managing numerous passwords scattered all over the internet because its built-in password manager handles them. Password managers are wonderful for keeping all of your accounts safe or private and you don’t have to keep them all memorized. This feature symbolizes the DuckDuckGo safe aspect.
DuckDuckGo won’t track your IP address
Your IP address serves as your unique identifier. Other search engines often record and associate your online activities to keep track of your whereabouts. However, DuckDuckGo safe features don’t allow this.
Your IP address is concealed. It implies that no one can determine where you are or trace your actions. It never exposes your identity and always ensures your safety.
Don’t record your search history
DuckDuckGo is one of the internet browsers that does not store your search history. Other search engines have the tendency to save your search history and use it later either to bombard you with advertising or personal insights.
If you search for something today, you won’t be able to recollect it the following day. This permits people to conduct searches with a clean slate.
It blocks hidden trackers
It is a well-known fact that web pages have tracking tools that monitor users without knowing them. Well! did you know that? Firstly, these devices gather all this information from the internet, such as clicks or the duration of viewing a particular page. But DuckDuckGo safety feature, on the other hand, nullifies them!
These hidden Web trackers are neutralized with the DuckDuckGo app and also with a browser before they have the time to require your data.
It upgrades your connections
Do remember, when you visit any website, not all connections between your gadget and the resource are secure. On the other hand, DuckDuckGo automatically encodes an HTTPS connection into its software. If it finds such a connection, DuckDuckGo guarantees to improve it.
This secures your information against unauthorized entities such as hackers. Thus, DuckDuckGo guarantees the safety of your web browsing experience by providing a secure link.
Downsides of using DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is amazing in terms of overall privacy but just like any other tool, there are limitations you should keep in mind. Let’s have a closer look at its downsides!
You might not get personalized results
DuckDuckGo does not track your profiles or searches, which many consider a plus, but it’s a double-edged sword because you will not receive customized results. As an example, if you routinely look for “soccer scores” on other Internet search tools, they may automatically present you with scores for your preferred team.
However, every search made on DuckDuckGo is considered new which is why the tool has strict search requirements – users need to be specific each time. That might be frustrating and time-consuming for you because it is time-consuming and not considered user-friendly.
You might miss some local results
DuckDuckGo does not indeed focus on following your IP address or geographical area, and this feature keeps you very anonymous. However, because the search engine does not have the slightest idea where you are, it is possible that it will fail to provide you with the appropriate results for a specific geographic area.
For instance, when you enter “pizza near me,” DuckDuckGo is unable to determine the location to provide you with nearby pizzerias. In order to enhance the merit of the search you would need to use keywords such as your residence or street address.
You may see fewer search features
Integrating DuckDuckGo into your life might be difficult as DuckDuckGo does not give access to all of the bonus functionalities that Google does. If you open Google, you will find all manner of maps, flight trackers, shopping suggestions, and the rest of every other such feature. DuckDuckGo makes everything much more straightforward, which means there are not as many extras.
Despite these shortcomings, DuckDuckGo safety features continue to be a viable option for users who place a strong emphasis on their privacy.
Safe search engine comparison: DuckDuckGo vs Google vs Bing
While focusing on security concerns, you must note that all the search engines will not be the same, and DuckDuckGo, Google, and Bing are three major ones that offer vastly different services in relation to your data protection. Let’s break these search engines down to you and help you decide which one suits your needs the best.
How do they handle your Privacy?
DuckDuckGo: Its primary aim is to secure user privacy. While using this search engine, you should expect zero tracking on your searches, user IP addresses, or previously entered queries to the DuckDuckGo database. DuckDuckGo keeps what you search confidential in its safe browsing history and has removed 35 billion trackers from websites to ensure that your identity remains anonymous.
Google: Google tracks all your activities, keeps a history of all your searches, and installs cookies with geo-tracking, enabling it to store broad profile descriptions. Google uses Private information too, which in turn allows them to display more personalized content.
Bing: Similar to Google, the platform will show ads and other more personalized material. However, using these services will be less private because they keep search history and collect IP addresses.
Features for Safety
DuckDuckGo: It facilitates the use of HTTPS connection rather than the insecure protocol and also disables trackers on websites.
Google: It provides tools like SafeSearch that take part in blocking sexually explicit material from being searched or viewed.
Bing: On the other hand Bing operates similarly to Google with SafeSearch engaged and provides tools that help one keep away from unsavory material.
Comparison Table
| Tracking | Privacy | Ads | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DuckDuckGo | Minimal | High | Private |
| Extensive | Low | Personalized | |
| Bing | Extensive | Low | Personalized |
Conclusion: Which is better?
DuckDuckGo safety features are among the best choices for individuals wanting to stay anonymous while browsing. For users who want platforms to track and tailor preferences and browsing habits, Google or Bing can provide the desired results. However, in doing so, you should be conscious that they will store more of your data.
How to use DuckDuckGo safely?
DuckDuckGo is an excellent option for ensuring privacy while you browse the web, there are a few additional measures that will ensure that one is even more protected. In this section, I’m going to tell you some tips that will enable you to use DuckDuckGo safely:
Protecting youth on DuckDuckGo
When younger users are using DuckDuckGo, it’s important to make sure they are not being exposed to inappropriate content. Here are some of the things that can be done to protect them:
- Make use of search settings: You can turn on Safe Search which blocks access to inappropriate content. Make sure this setting is on at all times to prevent access to inappropriate content.
- Keep an eye on searches: If you are a parent or a guardian, it is best to monitor the things your children are searching for. Do remember that DuckDuckGo does not save search history. So, you have to use some alternatives like third-party apps.
- Explain security issues: Young children should be instructed on risk factors that revolve around privacy in the Internet context. It is on them to use DuckDuckGo wisely as it does not track users.
How FlashGet Kids can help?
FlashGet Kids is a third-party parental control app specially designed to ascertain maximum safety for children on the internet. Let’s have a look at its features to know how it can help in the safe usage of the DuckDuckGo app!
Usage reports: With this feature, parents can watch how much time their kids spend on the DuckDuck Go app and at which time of the day in complete detail.
Browser safety: With this feature, parents can get complete details of what their kids searched on the browsers. Plus, parents can create a whitelist to allow only specific sites or a blacklist to block some sites permanently.
Screen mirroring: FlashGet Kids also enables you to monitor your kid’s online activities in real-time. For instance, you can see live what your kids are searching on the DuckDuckGo browser.
Content filtering and keyword detection: FlashGet Kids allows you to set keywords related to inappropriate content. Thus, if your kids try to search out such content containing these keywords, parents will receive an instant alert on their phone, no matter where they are in the world. Thus, it ensures a safe browsing experience.
Key takeaways: Is DuckDuckGo safe?
From all the above discussion, we have concluded that DuckDuckGo guarantees a safe and reliable experience for all including young and under-aged kids. The reason is that it does not allow for website hidden trackers, cookies, or profile building among its user base, therefore it is the best for a secure and private browsing experience. Now you might have cleared your query about whether DuckDuckGo safe or not.
Moreover, FlashGet Kids is like the cherry on top as it allows for secure browsing while also ensuring the child’s privacy is kept in check.
People also ask
DuckDuckGo is not exclusively run by Google. It remains independent and bears no advertising. They wouldn’t track you nor hold your old details. Therefore, you have the luxury of browsing content while being secured against ads or data collection.
DuckDuckGo is not as a popular search engine as Google for many because of its different search parameters and options. Moreover, it lacks helpful applications like Gmail and Google Maps which discourages their users further. However, their privacy policies are much improved than Google so keep that in mind.
DuckDuckGo is free of cost to all users and all around the world! There are no additional costs of being eligible for the services offered. Whenever you feel ready to search for anything online just make an account and you’re good to go.
DuckDuckGo isn’t a dark web, it’s a safe search engine that focuses on the privacy of its users while browsing the normal web. The dark web is an exclusive part of the internet where anonymous users conduct petty illegal activities, but DuckDuckGo doesn’t belong in that category.
