techcrunch.com 8 days ago URGENCY: 5/10

DuckDuckGo's No-AI Search Gains Popularity

DuckDuckGo is capitalizing on the anti-AI sentiment with new browser extensions that set its no-AI search as the default. Discover how this shift is driving a surge in traffic and user engagement.

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DuckDuckGo's No-AI Search Gains Popularity

DuckDuckGo's New Browser Extensions

As the demand for AI-free search experiences grows, DuckDuckGo has launched browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that allow users to set its no-AI search page as their default. This move comes in response to Google's recent AI-first overhaul of its search engine, which has left many users seeking alternatives.

DuckDuckGo's traffic has seen a remarkable increase, with visits to its no-AI search page up nearly 30% week-over-week. The company reports that U.S. app installs have surged by 18.1%, indicating a sustained shift away from traditional AI-driven search engines. Key features of the new extensions include:

  • Direct access to AI-free search results
  • Preservation of AI settings for existing DuckDuckGo browser users
  • Upcoming updates to enhance privacy and AI controls across various browsers
This trend highlights a growing preference for user-controlled search experiences, as more individuals seek to escape the AI-dominated landscape of major search engines.