Is DuckDuckGo as Private as It Claims? Turns Out, Not So Much.

And the truth is that they can, but with an asterisk.

How is DuckDuckGo different from Google search?

The two browsers are shockingly similar, and to the naked eye, DuckDuckGo search results and Google search look nearly identical. The key difference is that DuckDuckGo does not store IP addresses or user data, allowing users to browse the web somewhat anonymously. Google, on the other hand, does store certain information, which leads to targeted ads and detailed search history, factors that each user has their own comfort level with in regard to their privacy online.

Related: 6 Things You Should Know About ‘Anti-Google’ Search Engine DuckDuckGo

How private is DuckDuckGo?

DuckDuckGo claims to never collect, store or share personal user information, and that the browser allows for a more privacy-focused internet experience void of a third party tracker.

However, it turns out, you really can’t have it all.

Through a meticulous investigation, researcher Zach Edwards discovered a crucial gap in DuckDuckGo's claim of maximum privacy. When examining the browser's agreement with Microsoft , he found that while platforms like Google Chrome and Facebook are blocked from tracking, DuckDuckGo allows trackers through Microsoft owned properties like LinkedIn and Bing . Most simply: DuckDuckGo partners with Microsoft and, as a result , "ad clicks are managed by Microsoft's ad network."

Edwards then took to Twitter to share his findings.

“I tested the DuckDuckGo so-called private browser for both iOS and Android, yet *neither version* blocked data transfers to Microsoft’s Linkedin + Bing ads while viewing Facebook’s workplace[.]com homepage,” he writes in a thread.

The discovery prompted concern in users, particularly those who value a truly private browsing experience.

Related: Does Customer Data Privacy Actually Matter? It Should.

How bad is it?

In truth: not so bad. The claim that DuckDuckGo doesn't store user data or build a profile based on search results still holds true. However, in the context of Microsoft-owned platforms, your data might still be up for grabs or vulnerable to ad targeting.

Since the discovery, DuckDuckGo has been transparent about the involvement, and has made promises to increase privacy protection from Microsoft trackers.

"For non-search tracker blocking (e.x. in our browser), we block most third-party trackers," said DuckDuckGo CEO and founder Gabriel Weinberg. "Unfortunately our Microsoft search syndication agreement prevents us from doing more to Microsoft-owned properties. However, we have been continually pushing and expect to be doing more soon."

Related: Beef Up Your Online Privacy With Private Internet Access VPN

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