DuckDuckGo

I remember a time when Google wasn't the search engine giant it is now. Back then, running a web search was a simple process that didn't involve companies or sites creating online profiles of consumers and using those profiles for targeted ad placement (or worse). 

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A search was just a search, and the results were usually helpful.

But then things took a turn toward the algorithmic, and everything changed. Now, when you run a search, you never know what's going to pop up. Will it be helpful? Will it be what you're looking for? How far do you have to scroll to get beyond sponsored content? There are always questions involved... when there should be none.

That's the Google way, and if you don't like it, what can you do? You can try DuckDuckGo.

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It doesn't roll off the tongue like Google does, but once you get to know DuckDuckGo, you probably won't want to bother with the other search engine ever again.

Let's answer a few questions about this alternative.

1. Why would a person use DuckDuckGo?

It's all about privacy. When you search with DuckDuckGo, you don't have to worry about third parties tracking you or capitalism determining what results are displayed first. 

DuckDuckGo does not collect user data, track users across the web, associate browsing behaviors with IP addresses, or save your search history. DuckDuckGo is what online searching was meant to be; there's no tracking, analyzing, fingerprinting, or any other mysterious untoward behaviors. On top of that, you don't have to worry about AI-generated content in the results. 

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One thing to keep in mind is that DuckDuckGo isn't just a search engine. There's also the DuckDuckGo browser for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. This browser includes built-in private searching, tracker blocking, and all the privacy goodness you'd like to have in Chrome but may never see come to light.

Finally, with DuckDuckGo, you don't have to worry about scrolling through ads to get to the results. When you search with DuckDuckGo, everything you see is directly related to what you were searching for.

2. What is the downside of using DuckDuck Go?

This is a tough question because in the years I've used DuckDuckGo, I've never run into anything even remotely annoying or deceitful. 

But, if I had to point out a downside, it would be that DuckDuckGo isn't quite as integrated into Android as Google. That's to be expected, given Google is the company behind Android. 

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Also well, there's less personalization than you'll find with Google. That's intentional because it results in far fewer ads. But, the lack of personalization means you can't connect ads to your interests. For me, that's still a win but for some, it might be a loss.

One thing that I'd be remiss if I didn't mention is that no matter what browser you use, your ISP (or cellular carrier) can still see almost everything you do and DuckDuckGo (or any search engine) cannot get around that.

3. Why use DuckDuckGo instead of Google?

This question is quite simple to answer: because you value your privacy. If you're over being tracked, traced, targeted, and fingerprinted, you should stop using Google as your default search engine and switch to DuckDuckGo. I switched quite some time ago and I do not miss Google's search engine one bit.

Like Google, DuckDuckGo is also free and can be used in any web browser (or you can opt to go with the DuckDuckGo browser itself).

4. What is the DuckDuckGo controversy?

The controversy around DuckDuckGo started a few years ago when the company struck a deal with Microsoft over syndicated search content from Microsoft to DuckDuckGo. Essentially, it meant that while DuckDuckGo wasn't building user profiles through search queries, it did incorporate contextual ads from the Microsoft advertising division. 

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DuckDuckGo responded by saying that its browsers for Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows impose restrictions on third-party tracking scripts --  even those from Microsoft. In the end, it became clear that no browser can offer 100% protection, and DuckDuckGo does not promise anonymity when browsing outside of its site.

5. Is DuckDuckGo owned by China?

DuckDuckGo is an American software company with its HQ in Paoli, Pennsylvania. The CEO and founder is Gabriel Weinberg. Back in 2014, China blocked DuckDuckGo. To this day, the DuckDuckGo search engine is still 100% blocked in China.

6. Can I be tracked if I use DuckDuckGo?

As the DuckDuckGo CEO mentioned, nothing is ever 100% regarding cybersecurity. But as far as personal profiles that are created with the specific purpose of delivering targeted ads to you, then you will absolutely not be tracked by DuckDuckGo. 

On top of that DuckDuckGo does not know who is searching but only what is being searched for. Since I switched from Google to DuckDuckGo as my default search engine, I've noticed a dramatic decrease in targeted ads. 

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In fact, on my desktop (Pop!_OS Linux), I don't remember the last time I saw a targeted ad on any site outside of Facebook (because... it's Facebook).

DuckDuckGo is my search engine of choice and I made the switch because I wanted more privacy than what Google could offer. Is it perfect? No. Is it closer to perfect than Google? Yes. Will I ever switch back to Google as my default? Highly doubtful.

Give DuckDuckGo a try and see if you don't wind up configuring your browser to use it as the default search engine.

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