Why DuckDuckGo Is Bad: Privacy Risks Uncovered by Specialists

Over the years, DuckDuckGo has grown in popularity due to its clean and simple interface, transparency about data practices, and strong stance on protecting anonymity. In addition to its search engine, the company has expanded its offerings to include mobile browsers and browser extensions that block hidden trackers, enforce encryption and provide users with tools to reduce their digital footprint. By positioning itself as a safe and straightforward alternative to major search providers like Google, DuckDuckGo has established a loyal following among privacy-conscious users worldwide.

Technical Vulnerabilities

Security audits have uncovered significant technical weaknesses in DuckDuckGo privacy protections exposing users to potential risks despite the search engine privacy-focused reputation.

Search Query Encryption Issues

The auto-suggest feature designed to speed up search results, has a notable vulnerability. Security experts found that the auto-complete system can leak unencrypted data making users search terms visible to anyone monitoring traffic. Although DuckDuckGo attempted to address this by randomizing packet sizes, testing shows the issue persists. Additionally, search terms remain visible in browser URLs, meaning anyone with access to your browser history can see your queries.

Universal Cross-Site Scripting (uXSS) Vulnerability

DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Essentials browser feature was found to contain a uXSS vulnerability, allowing attackers to:

• Execute arbitrary code on any website
• Track users’ online activity
• Manipulate displayed content
• Potentially take control of user accounts

IP Address Exposure

While DuckDuckGo encrypts search queries via HTTPS, protection stops once users navigate to external websites. This leaves IP addresses visible to websites visited, network administrators and anyone monitoring public Wi-Fi networks. Search transmissions using the POST method are secure, but local device storage remains unprotected leaving search history accessible and trackable.

Server and Browser Architecture Risks

The browser security design gives DuckDuckGo servers higher privileges than intended. If attackers compromise these servers, they could potentially intercept sensitive activities including online banking sessions and financial transactions, creating a major privacy risk for users conducting sensitive operations.

Hidden Data Collection

DuckDuckGo markets itself as a privacy-focused search engine some hidden data collection practices suggest that users are not completely invisible online. While the platform does not store search histories or build personal profiles, certain features can still expose information. Search terms may remain visible in browser URLs and the auto-suggest functionality can transmit data that might be inferred by external observers. Additionally, while search queries are encrypted via HTTPS, IP addresses and device information can still be exposed when navigating to external websites. These gaps indicate that, although DuckDuckGo reduces tracking compared to traditional search engines, some metadata can still be indirectly collected or observed.

• DuckDuckGo does not track search history or create user profiles.
• Search queries can remain visible in browser URLs.
• Auto-suggest features may transmit data observable by third parties.
• HTTPS encryption protects queries in transit but does not mask IP addresses on external sites.
• Device information and some metadata may still be indirectly collected.
• Users are more private than on mainstream search engines, but not completely anonymous.

Privacy Expert Warnings

Privacy experts have raised concerns about how DuckDuckGo handles user data questioning its claim of being “privacy-first.” Research by security experts and independent auditors shows that the search engine may not fully protect user privacy as it promises.

Security Researcher Findings

Privacy researcher Zach Edwards found that the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser sent some data to Microsoft-owned sites like Bing and LinkedIn. Later CEO Gabriel Weinberg admitted that their partnership with Microsoft made it impossible to block certain tracking scripts. Security expert Roger Grimes described the findings as “a shocker,” noting that websites can track 12–16 characteristics per session, and users can be uniquely identified with just 4–8 of them.

Independent Audit Results

External auditors revealed a “secret data flow list” showing that DuckDuckGo allowed data sharing with Microsoft for third-party advertising. Key findings included:

• Certain third-party trackers were not blocked.
• Users were not informed about these tracking exceptions.
• The browser’s privacy claims needed clarification, stating it blocks “most trackers” rather than all.

The audit also noted that these issues were addressed only after becoming public. While DuckDuckGo offers better privacy protection than mainstream search engines its claims of fully preventing tracking are misleading.

Concerns About Verification

Experts emphasize that DuckDuckGo has never undergone a formal, independent privacy audit. The only review conducted was a complaint investigation verifying that their privacy claims were not false advertising. This lack of comprehensive verification raises concerns about potential hidden tracking systems. As Roger Grimes points out companies like Microsoft and Google have dozens or even over a hundred methods to track users including 1-pixel images and third-party scripts that bypass standard blocking measures.

Latest Privacy Breaches That Alarmed Users

Security researcher Zach Edwards uncovered a privacy issue that raised serious questions about DuckDuckGo reputation. His investigation found that while DuckDuckGo blocked trackers from Google and Facebook it allowed Microsoft tracking scripts to run on third-party websites.

The Microsoft Tracking Controversy

The issue centered on a secret agreement between DuckDuckGo and Microsoft. CEO Gabriel Weinberg later admitted that this partnership prevented the company from blocking Microsoft-owned scripts. As a result, Microsoft could track users through Bing and LinkedIn, which went against DuckDuckGo’s promise to prioritize privacy.

Key findings included:

• Microsoft tracked users’ IP addresses when they clicked on ads.
• The browser allowed third-party Microsoft trackers.
• DuckDuckGo mobile browsers did not block data flows from LinkedIn and Bing.

Data Leakage Concerns

In 2024, new privacy concerns emerged as data breaches surpassed 1 billion stolen records. Cybercriminals can now combine data from multiple sources to build detailed user profiles which are often sold or used for phishing campaigns.

User Reactions and Investigations

The privacy community reacted strongly, feeling betrayed that DuckDuckGo did not disclose the Microsoft tracking exception. Independent audits confirmed that while DuckDuckGo claimed to block “hidden third-party trackers,” it made an exception for Microsoft’s tracking systems.

After the controversy, DuckDuckGo revised its agreement with Microsoft. Despite this, the incident damaged user trust, particularly among privacy advocates who had relied on DuckDuckGo as a secure alternative to mainstream search engines.

Conclusion

DuckDuckGo promotes itself as a privacy-focused search engine but security experts have found that it isn’t completely safe from data exposure. Some hidden risks include allowing certain third-party trackers, sharing data with Microsoft domains and leaving IP addresses and search terms partly visible. While DuckDuckGo is more private than most mainstream search engines, it does not guarantee full anonymity. Users who want the highest level of online privacy should use DuckDuckGo along with other tools like VPNs, tracker blockers or secure browsers to better protect their digital activity.