DuckDuckGo built its reputation as the search engine that “doesn’t track you.” It became the go-to alternative for users who wanted privacy without switching to complex tools like Tor or VPNs. But according to privacy experts, DuckDuckGo may not be as private as it claims. Behind its clean design and privacy promises, there are gaps in how data is handled, where it’s sourced, and what is shared with partners. This article breaks down what experts have found, why they say DuckDuckGo isn’t completely anonymous, and what you can do for better privacy online.
What DuckDuckGo Promises to Users
DuckDuckGo’s mission sounds simple: give people a search engine that doesn’t track them. Its slogan, “Privacy, Simplified,” helped it stand out in a world dominated by Google’s massive data collection.
The company claims it doesn’t store personal details, doesn’t log search history, and doesn’t build profiles of its users. It also says all searches are anonymous and protected through encryption. On the surface, these are strong promises. But privacy experts argue that how DuckDuckGo operates behind the scenes tells a more complicated story.
The Hidden Problem: Reliance on Microsoft’s Infrastructure
DuckDuckGo doesn’t run its own web index. Instead, it uses Microsoft’s Bing search engine to deliver most of its results and ads. This partnership allows DuckDuckGo to compete with Google’s search accuracy, but it also connects users indirectly to Microsoft’s systems.
Privacy experts found that DuckDuckGo allows some Microsoft trackers to remain active in certain circumstances. While DuckDuckGo blocks most advertising scripts, it has admitted that Microsoft’s ad click tracking cannot always be disabled due to contractual agreements. This means some data like your IP address or browser metadata can still reach Microsoft when ads are clicked.
Experts also warn that this dependency undermines DuckDuckGo’s independence. By relying on Bing’s index and advertising network, DuckDuckGo’s privacy model depends on how Microsoft handles user data, not just on DuckDuckGo’s own policies.
Tracking Through Affiliate Programs
DuckDuckGo makes part of its revenue through affiliate links, particularly with Amazon and eBay. When users buy products after clicking these links, DuckDuckGo earns a small commission.
The company insists this process is anonymous, but privacy analysts note that affiliate links still include tracking codes. These codes may not reveal who you are, but they confirm that a search originated from DuckDuckGo. While it’s not the same as behavioral profiling, it still adds a layer of traceable data flow between your browser, DuckDuckGo, and third-party sites.
Browser and App Telemetry Concerns
DuckDuckGo also offers its own browser and mobile apps. Privacy experts examined these and found that they include telemetry data collected to measure performance or detect crashes.
While telemetry can improve user experience, it also sends information about device type, operating system, and sometimes the URLs of visited pages. Even if this data isn’t tied to a specific identity, it still weakens the promise of complete anonymity.
Researchers have also pointed out that the mobile app relies on frameworks from Apple and Google, both of which have their own analytics layers. This indirect data exchange raises further questions about how private these apps can truly be.
Expert Opinions and Research Findings
Several independent privacy researchers have published reports highlighting DuckDuckGo’s weaknesses. In 2022, a security researcher revealed that DuckDuckGo’s browser allowed certain Microsoft trackers to load on third-party sites. DuckDuckGo’s CEO, Gabriel Weinberg, responded by saying that these trackers collected “non-personal data” and that the company was negotiating stricter limits with Microsoft.
However, privacy advocates like those from RestorePrivacy and PrivacyGuides argue that true privacy means full control over data flows, not partial exceptions. They emphasize that users trust DuckDuckGo to block all tracking, and any hidden exceptions, even if limited, reduce that trust.
These experts also point out that DuckDuckGo’s privacy policy is less transparent about data retention and telemetry than some competitors, making it harder to verify claims without independent audits.
Comparison With Other Private Search Engines
DuckDuckGo is not the only privacy-focused search option, and experts often recommend exploring alternatives.
- Brave Search operates its own independent index and doesn’t rely on Microsoft or Google. It blocks trackers by default and offers a transparency report for its algorithms.
- Startpage uses Google’s results but strips away personal identifiers through a proxy system, meaning Google never sees your IP or search terms directly.
- Qwant, based in France, follows strict European data protection laws (GDPR) and avoids external ad networks.
- SearXNG is open-source and self-hosted, allowing users or communities to run their own private instances without relying on large corporations.
While none of these are perfect, experts agree they offer stronger independence and verifiable transparency compared to DuckDuckGo’s current setup.
Legal and Ethical Concerns About “Private” Branding
Using the word “private” in advertising can create false confidence if technical or contractual exceptions exist. Privacy experts argue that DuckDuckGo’s marketing may mislead casual users into thinking their searches are fully anonymous when, in practice, they are not.
Under laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), companies must clearly state what data is collected and how it’s shared. Critics say DuckDuckGo’s disclosures about Microsoft tracking and affiliate programs should be more visible to meet these standards.
Ethically, experts call for independent audits and open-source transparency so users can verify privacy claims rather than taking them on faith.
What Users Can Do for Better Online Privacy
If you’re concerned about search engine privacy, there are practical steps you can take to stay safer online.
- Use browsers that block trackers by design, such as Brave or Firefox.
- Combine private search with a trusted VPN or Tor connection.
- Regularly clear cookies and browsing history.
- Avoid logging in to personal accounts while searching.
- Choose search engines with open-source code or clear data policies.
Even with these steps, no search engine can guarantee 100% anonymity, but combining tools can significantly reduce tracking and data collection.
Conclusion
DuckDuckGo remains a better choice than Google or Bing for reducing personalized tracking, but it’s not the privacy fortress many believe it to be. Its dependency on Microsoft, use of affiliate programs, and limited transparency around telemetry raise valid concerns among privacy professionals.
Experts agree that true privacy requires full independence from corporate data networks and complete user control over information. Until DuckDuckGo achieves that, users seeking complete anonymity should consider other options.
For now, understanding the limits of “private search” helps you make smarter choices about what to trust online and where your data might still go once you hit enter.
Published on November 12, 2025 under .
