DuckDuckGo's app downloads surged by 30% following Google's AI update, reflecting growing user preference for privacy-focused search options.
Following Google's significant AI-focused search update, DuckDuckGo has experienced a notable surge in app installations in the United States. According to data shared by TechCrunch, this uptick comes in the wake of Google's announcement at its I/O conference, where the company indicated a shift from conventional search results to an AI-driven approach that aims to directly answer user queries and automate tasks.
This announcement has raised concerns among users and industry experts about a potential loss of control and accuracy in search results, as well as the implications for the open internet. In this context, DuckDuckGo reported an impressive 18.1% increase in average installations from May 20 to May 25, peaking at a remarkable 30.5% on the latter date.
On iOS devices, the growth was even more pronounced, averaging a 33% increase week-over-week, reaching a peak increase of around 69%. Additionally, traffic to DuckDuckGo’s dedicated page for disabling AI features, noai.duckduckgo.com, saw an increase of 22.7% in visits.
Gabriel Weinberg, CEO of DuckDuckGo, criticized Google's approach, stating that the company is imposing AI features without giving users the option to opt out, emphasizing that users should have the choice regarding AI integration. Despite this, DuckDuckGo has not entirely shunned AI. The platform offers Duck.ai, which provides users access to various AI models while ensuring privacy by keeping user data confidential and deleting conversations after 30 days.
DuckDuckGo has also implemented a Search Assist feature and an AI Image Filter to provide users with more control. According to representative Kamil Bazbaz, the option to choose these features is a significant draw for users. Currently, DuckDuckGo captures about 2% of the U.S. search market, facing challenges due to Google's widespread presence, aided by exclusive deals that favor its search engine.
Moreover, it was noted that in response to public concerns, Google has tightened its policies on the use of AI in search tools following a controversial public experiment conducted by BBC journalist Thomas German.
