DuckDuckGo is a US-based search engine founded in 2008 by Gabriel Weinberg in Paoli, Pennsylvania. It markets itself as a privacy-focused alternative to Google, promising not to track user searches or build personal profiles. While it offers genuine privacy improvements over mainstream search engines, it remains a US company subject to US jurisdiction and relies heavily on Microsoft for its core search functionality.

Privacy and Security

DuckDuckGo claims not to store IP addresses, search histories, or any personally identifiable information. However, as a US-based company, it operates under US laws including potential government data requests through FISA and National Security Letters. In 2022, it was discovered that DuckDuckGo's mobile browser allowed Microsoft tracking scripts to bypass its own tracker blocking due to their search syndication agreement, raising transparency concerns.

Data Concerns

• US-based company subject to US surveillance laws (PATRIOT Act, FISA)
• Located in a Five Eyes surveillance alliance country
• Search results primarily sourced from Microsoft Bing
• Microsoft Advertising powers the ad platform
• 2022 controversy revealed Microsoft tracking exception in mobile browser
• No GDPR compliance requirement as a US entity
• User data may touch US servers regardless of user location
• Dependency on US tech giant Microsoft for core functionality