Privacy is a fundamental human right, according to the United Nations. And DuckDuckGo is built on the premise of protecting your privacy during online surfing.
If you’re afraid of being monitored all the time and keeping things private, then DuckDuckGo is a very reliable partner. The paranoia of being monitored all the time can make life miserable. No one, even your browser, should breach your privacy.
If you use any search engines other than DuckDuckGo, browsers can track you, store your search history and even share your information without your consent. You’ll see personalized ads based on your searches and many more privacy intrusions. DuckDuckGo is a better choice in that regard.
Now, I’ll be mentioning the perks of this search engine in this article. So, follow along.
What are the Privacy Advantages of Using DuckDuckGo?
There are different privacy perks to using DuckDuckGo, for instance, no tracking, data sharing and storing information. But it’s not limited to just that. It also offers features like encrypted data searching, no personal profiles, safe search, unfiltered search results etc.
It’s more secure and more private than most browsers out there. I’ll be going over some advantages of using DuckDuckGo below.
Here are the privacy advantages of using DuckDuckGo:
1. Uniform Search Result for Same Query
The best thing about DuckDuckGo is that it doesn’t discriminate. Many search engines personalize search results according to previous searches and user data. These search engines can track, store and share information. So they show results based on your search results which are essentially called tracking.
Some prefer getting a more personalized search result through tracking, but that also means getting access to your information.
DuckDuckGo, on the other hand, encrypts data. It takes search results from over 400 sources, including its own search crawler, choosing what fits your search best. If the query is the same, DuckDuckGo will show the same thing for all of its users.
2. No Targeted Ads Based on Your Searches
Most search engines store the users’ search history and share information. Since the information is latched to your account, you will get personalized advertisements based on your searches. These ads are directed at you according to your data and previous search history.
But on DuckDuckGo, the ads are based on what you are searching for in that instant. It never stores your data. Instead only processes it right then and there.
3. No Profiling
Typical search engines like Google will make a user profile according to your result. The results will also be affected according to the profile. It is according to what you like or dislike or what you might want to buy. Your identity can be linked to these profiles.
DuckDuckGo does not employ such methods. It does not even have any accounts in the first place. Anyone can go to the website and search for what they want without being worried about privacy concerns.
4. Encryption of Search Data
DuckDuckGo even encrypts the search data for higher security. When you click, it uses an encrypted data channel to access the website and receive the HTTPS version. But once inside, the safety might be compromised.
Remember, DuckDuckGo is only a search engine, so it works only on searches.
5. Safe Search Feature
There is a safe search feature on DuckDuckGo. As you might’ve guessed, it removes all adult content from your search results.
Additionally, you can choose from 2 different levels of the safety search features. The first is the moderate level, and the second is the strict level. It is there for the healthy mental development of underaged children.
6. No Chance of Data Breach
DuckDuckGo does not store your personal data like passwords. You would’ve heard about data breaches at least once if they did. Since it does not store the information in the first place, there is nothing to be breached.
Note: Similar to other browsers, it can generate passwords, but to store them, you’ll have to use extensions or other tools.
7. No 3rd party Tracker
DuckDuckGo blocks advertising trackers that show you the latest ads. These trackers basically access your search history and find items based on your recent search results.
So by using DuckDuckGo, you have one less thing to worry about.
Note: Trackers can run in incognito mode in chrome and google and work in the background anonymously while you are on websites.
8. Less Spam
The search engine of DuckDuckGo boasts privacy, and there’s no spam in it. While surfing the web, you’ll come across sites where you’ll see continuous advertisements that are hard to avoid. DuckDuckGo saves you from that hassle by blocking certain scripts through advanced algorithms.
9. Cross-Device Data Protection
DuckDuckGo is available as an extension on PC and an app on mobile devices like iPhones and android. It lets you see what trackers are trying to track about you and gives you full control over much privacy you will have.
10. Safe from Binge Shopping
You often buy things you do not need because of Google ads remarketing. The advertisement of the seller follows you around constantly. It’s mainly because the algorithms are written in that way.
Using the DuckDuckGo search engine will let you focus only on what you need by identifying and blocking these recurring ads.
Although I’ve stated the major advantages of DuckDuckGo, you can find many more. If you give this search engine a chance, you won’t be disappointed.
How Anonymous is DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a private search engine. If your privacy is your main concern, you can use it without worrying since it does not log or share your data. Unlike other search engines, you’re not required to create an account to access every feature.
Duck is safer than other search engines as most of them collect your search data and IP address.
While other browsers personalize your searches, DuckDuckGo shares the same result with any searches with the same keyword. While it is true that this search engine makes money by showing ads, they aren’t personalized. As a result, it has gained the user’s approval to keep anonymity.
Is DuckDuckGo Better than Incognito?
Yes, DuckDuckGo is far better than Incognito. While incognito mode will not save your search history, it is definitely going to track you. However, DuckDuckGo doesn’t. So of the two, DuckDuckGo is obviously the better choice if you wish to remain anonymous while surfing the net.
Remember, Incognito mode does not hide your IP address. So to people who have your IP, you are like an open book. This means if an IT expert knows your IP address, he can seize valuable information, such as your location and online identity. Later on, this information can be used to access your device without consent, steal your identity, and more.
The main objective for masking your IP is to keep your search history hidden and nothing else. Coincidentally, DuckDuckGo claims to hide the user’s IP.
So It is undoubtedly better than incognito mode when it comes to privacy concerns.
How do you use DuckDuckGo?
DuckDuckGo is a private search engine. You can access it by changing the search engine from your browser’s settings menu. For Android devices, it can be downloaded from the google play store and run from there. iPhone also has the app in its app store.
For your PC browser, you can just go to duckduckgo.com and type your query in the search bar there. You will not even need to sign in to any accounts. 
You can also add the extension of DuckDuckGo to enhance your browsing security. It’s free, so why not give it a shot?
FAQs
How much does DuckDuckGo cost?
DuckDuckGo is a free-to-use search engine. The company that runs it is an internet privacy company that allows you to control your personal online information completely.
How does DuckDuckGo earn a profit?
DuckDuckGo earns its profit through ads. These ads are not personalized, so there is no security risk in that.
What are the cons of DuckDuckGo?
One of the major cons of DuckDuckGo is that it doesn’t provide protection from malware and ransomware. So whenever you click on a suspicious link, don’t expect the search engine to protect you.
Final Thoughts
Privacy is very important for a person. Invasion or fear of that invasion of personal space and privacy is enough to drive a person crazy. So it’s always best to know what is being shared online and what is safe with you. And DuckDuckGo lets you do exactly that.
If you have further questions or things to add about the app, drop a comment below.
