Is DuckDuckGo, DuckDuckDone?

25 May 2022 | ~3 minute read

DuckDuckGo, the [privacy centric search firm](https://duckduckgo.com) have been found to be allowing Microsoft trackers through their browser. It’s dishonest, and I’m really disappointed.

Last night the news broke that DuckDuckGo have been effectively whitelisting Microsoft trackers in their browser as a result of their agreement with the tech giant. Brilliant.

I’ve been using DDG as my search engine of choice ever since I started De-Googling a few years back. On the whole, I really like DDG; the technical results can sometimes be lacklustre, but their bangs feature allows me to quickly search using Startpage if I don’t like the results I’m getting.

I don’t really use the DDG web browser, however. And that’s where this issue exists.

So what’s the problem then?

With search being unaffected by this issue, you may be thinking what’s the problem, Kev? You don’t use their browser so you’re not impacted.

That comment is accurate…kind of. The issue for me boils down to one thing…

Trust.

DuckDuckGo tout themselves as being highly transparent and privacy respecting in everything they do. So to discover that they have been keeping this tidbit of information from their users — one that goes against the very fibre of the company — is a little concerning for me.

DuckDuckGo tweet about tracking and Google

Google says they’re better for privacy, but the simple fact is tracking is tracking, no matter what you call it.

DuckDuckGo

Damn right it is, DDG! So why have you been keeping this from us? Come on, folks. You’re supposed to be the good guys in all this!

Will I stop using DuckDuckGo?

I don’t think I will, and that’s for a number of reasons. Firstly, I really like their search engine. It works well, and the bangs feature is practically muscle memory at this point.

Also, my oldest son says “DuckDuckGo it” instead of “Google it” so there’s that. On a serious note though, I don’t think the alternatives are as good.

So yeah, I won’t be leaving DuckDuckGo behind anytime soon, I don’t think. But I do trust them a little less after all this.

I’m not angry, DDG. I’m disappointed. 😞

← The one before
You Should Flip a Coin

Up next →
Why Forced Password Changes Reduce Security

Get in touch!

Receiving emails from my readers is my favourite thing, so if you have something to say, feel free to drop me an email or sign my guestbook.

Want more content?

Say no more, dear reader. Here's three random posts from this blog for you to peruse:

Implementing The IndieWeb Into My Website
11 Apr 2020

Three Great Alternatives to the Casio F-91W
20 Jan 2023

De-Googling My Life Series
04 Sep 2017

Want to be informed when I post new articles? Simply enter your email address below and you will get an email whenever new posts are published.

Alternatively, you can subscribe via RSS instead.

Enjoyed this post?

I put a lot of work into maintaining this site and I really enjoy interacting with my readers.

My fuel of choice is coffee, so if you did enjoy this post, or found it in any way useful, I'd appreciate more fuel to keep me going. ❤️

Buy me a coffee