DuckDuckGo sees itself as an anonymous alternative to Google. But the internal browser makes an exception for Microsoft tracking, which surprises many users. We explain to you what it is.
Google is number 1 among search engines, and for many it is no longer possible to do without it in everyday life. But the group behind it is often criticized for its data-gathering frenzy.
the searcher Duck Duck to winwhich has been around since 2008, always wanted to be the anonymous alternative and not ask for any personal information about users.
A security expert took a closer look and discovered: Unfortunately, that’s not entirely true, at least when it comes to the DuckDuckGo browser.
Microsoft tracking in DuckDuckGo? what that means to you
Security researcher Zach Edwards noted that DuckDuckGo for Android Y iOS they are not completely tracking-free. In the mobile browser, some trackers, such as Bing and LinkedIn, which are owned by Microsoft, are whitelisted and therefore allowed.
Bing provides the search index that DuckDuckGo uses. As CEO Gabriel Weinberg admits, Microsoft’s contracts are so strict that its trackers can’t be blocked. However, this only affects apps, not the search engine, which you can simply open in the browser.
The issue with ad trackers is explained in Zach Edwards’ detailed Twitter thread:
According to DuckDuckGo, it does not link any personally identifiable characteristics to your search queries, but the played the Microsoft ad Track your IP address or user agent.
However, DuckDuckGo ensures that no profiling of your clicking behavior on these ads is created and that this information is only stored for accounting purposes.
According to Gabriel Weinberg, more will be done in the future to block third-party trackers related to Microsoft.
Did you lose confidence? Alternatives to DuckDuckGo
Microsoft simply has the upper hand with contracts and has therefore been able to allow its own trackers. From CHIP’s point of view, you can continue to use DuckDuckGo as long as the whitelist has been adjusted accordingly and does not require a Redmond ad tracker.
If you no longer trust the search service, you don’t need to worry. Luckily, there are other anonymous search engines that are also free:
- swiss cows: Swiss search engine with its own search index and complete anonymity, also available for smartphones.
- homepage: searches without tracking, but with the same search results as Google; Unfortunately, there are no apps available for download.
Just give them a try and see if you can find all the answers to your questions just as quickly in everyday life.
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