DuckDuckGo Privacy App & Extension - Privacy, simplified. Available on all major platforms.

Thanks for the hunt, @rrhoover! Over the years, DuckDuckGo has offered millions of people a private alternative to Google, serving over 16 billion anonymous searches. Today we're excited to launch this fully revamped version of our browser extension and mobile app, extending DuckDuckGo's protection beyond the search box to wherever the Internet takes you. It's now available across all major platforms so that you can easily get the privacy essentials you need on any device with just one download, including tracker network blocking, smarter encryption, and private search. DuckDuckGo will also now show you a Privacy Grade rating (A-F) when you visit a website. This rating lets you see at a glance how protected you are, dig into the details to see who we caught trying to track you, and learn how we enhanced the underlying website's privacy measures. For everyone who doesn't like the feeling of being watched, or doesn't like the idea of companies making money off your personal information, this product should be for you. Give it a try and let us know what you think - your feedback goes a long way toward making our products better, and achieving our mission of raising the standard of trust online!

DuckDuckGo continues to make strides in the privacy space. They do a phenomenal job of educating users as well through their nurture tracks in regard to tangential best privacy practices such as VPNs and passwords.

Pros:

Simple, easy to use, no friction in setting up, less cluttered results page.

Cons:

Search algorithm is still catching up to Google.

I love DuckDuckGo. Have been using it for a few years and this is the first time I've heard about the app. Can't wait to download it later today!

I recently moved to DDG as my everyday search engine, as a dev I feel more happy in using that with good macro, widget. It only lacks for fresh news for my country, but it only meant to catch the right sources. I like the app, pretty easy to use, the only big lack is the missing continuity sync between desktop and mobile, a feature that I love on Safari. But this makes necessary to add a kind of sync using an user account (dunno if it is in scope as a feature). Ps. Is this widget available for desktop safari too? I use that on Firefox, but on safari seems more like a common search bar

One of the best search engine out there. Great job! Keep up the good work and thank you!

This is a wonderful release, @yegg and @bsstoner. I have been a huge fan of DuckDuckGo ever since I discovered it 2 years back and it continues to be my primary choice of search. Is a desktop app happening anytime soon though? I would really be interested in seeing that happen.

Excited to see this. Much needed. I believe users give up their privacy either because of unawareness or usability. This product enables user to take smarter decisions. Which is huge. Why? With only private search it always had been a conflict whether to give up usability or privacy. I used duck duck a lot only to realize that I have switched back to google within an year. This product may not seem to be a "whole product" or a magical solution that we all need today but this will make path and a framework for all amazing things that DuckDuck can bring in future to help users protect their privacy without giving up usability, without giving much thoughts. Much needed in 2018 and upcoming years.

Seriously, the !bang syntax alone makes it worth switching. Google's site:something.com syntax is somewhat equivalent, but man oh man is it inconvinient in comparision. Code results are excellent - often it's given me a more direct answer than Google.

Pros:

Very simple, fun name, extremely useful !bang syntax, built-in themes, fairly reliable, good for developers

Cons:

Privacy claims are somewhat exaggerated, search algorithm kind of sucks

Any plans for an Android widget so I can put the search bar on my first screen?

So disappointing that it doesn't look like a native app. Some weird styling in between Android and iOS. Thanks anyway.

Just started using the chrome extension and love it! Thanks!

I see more of my users coming from DDG, and it’s exciting to see the growth, and then this release. I’ll start using it more regularly instead of only using it to see cleaner search results for marketing purposes. **Curious: would DDG ever consider creating an extension eco-system, or an email app?**

Love this addon, keeps my browser running smooth

Pros:

Very easy to use, quick and simple

Cons:

none

Can we all just stop and appreciate that the screenshots show the carrier as "DD&G"? 😂

Awesome new release - previously my search of choice on my MacBook Pro, now I am looking forward to trying out the Android app

It’s very similar to Firefox Focus on iOS but the approach to displaying trackers is different. It also has more detailed info on TLS of each side. I’m curious to know how would it be possible for DDG to review every website’s privacy policy and assign it a rating?

As this is more focused on privacy, rather than blocking advertising, would you consider this extension, paired with AdGuard would be a great solution for privacy + adblocking? Or would you say this extension is unnecessary if you are already running AdGuard, as by the time the extension runs, AdGuard would have already done the same plus more blocking.

I can't live without !bang commands

Pros:

Useful, reliable, tech-oriented

Cons:

Search engine

Use DuckDuckGo. Use !bangs.

Pros:

Isn't Google.

Cons:

Is still a centralized reputation system, which (theoretically) allows for censure.

DuckDuckgo has created a great product. However, I think the solution to online privacy is a greater adoption of privacy practices by the top websites.

Pros:

Makes me more conscious of data privacy online

Cons:

I wouldn't call the user experience great...yet.