DuckDuckGo Sees Surge in Traffic as Users Seek AI-Free Search

DuckDuckGo, an internet privacy company best known for its search engine that does not track search history, store personal data or serve targeted advertisements, offers a private alternative to traditional search engines such as Google and Bing. However, the company is making headlines today for a different reason.

DuckDuckGo is gaining popularity for its new browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that allow users to set its AI-free search experience as their default search engine.

The company says that once enabled, users are directed to DuckDuckGo's AI-free search page, which features no AI-generated answers, no chat prompts and fewer AI-created images in search results.

According to the company, the extensions are designed to help users maintain a consistent AI-free search experience at a time when AI-powered search features are becoming increasingly common, particularly after Google announced its AI-first vision for Search earlier this year.

Google has said it is introducing the biggest changes to its search engine in more than 25 years by placing AI at the centre of the search experience. Instead of displaying website links first, Search now prioritises AI-generated summaries and interactive results capable of creating charts, graphs and other tools. Users can also continue their searches through AI-powered conversations.

However, not everyone is embracing this shift toward AI-first search. As a result, some users are turning to alternative search engines such as DuckDuckGo and Kagi, which offer more traditional search experiences.

According to DuckDuckGo, traffic to its AI-free search page reached a record high on May 28, 2026, rising three times above normal levels following Google's recent AI-focused search updates. The company says the increase has remained steady, with visits averaging about 84% higher than usual, suggesting a lasting change in user behaviour rather than a temporary spike.

DuckDuckGo has already launched Chrome and Firefox extensions that make its AI-free search experience the default option. It also plans to add similar AI search controls to its existing Privacy Essentials extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Opera.

While the company is promoting an AI-free search option, it also offers its own AI chatbot, access to several popular AI models, and a subscription service that includes additional features such as a VPN, identity theft recovery assistance and personal information removal tools.

(This article is written by Amatallah Waheed, a student of English & Foreign Languages University, interning with Deccan Chronicle.)