DuckDuckGo downloads surge 30% due to AI in Google Search

Following extensive changes to its search engine, many users dissatisfied with forced AI integration have begun switching to the DuckDuckGo platform. At the Google I/O conference, it was announced that traditional blue links would be replaced by an AI agent that answers queries and performs tasks. However, this innovation has raised concerns among many regarding the accuracy of search results and the loss of user control. This is reported by Techcrunch.com reports .

DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg stated that Google is forcing AI on users without giving them an opt-out option. According to him, instead of improving the quality of search results, this is degrading them. DuckDuckGo aims to be a safe haven that allows users to decide for themselves how much they want to use AI features.

According to statistics, from May 20 to May 25, DuckDuckGo app downloads in the US increased by an average of 18.1% per week, reaching a 30.5% growth rate on May 25. On the iOS platform, this figure was even higher, with weekly growth averaging 33% and peaking at nearly 70%.

Users are also actively switching to the noai.duckduckgo.com page, which is completely free of AI. Visits to this page have increased by an average of 22.7%. On this page, features such as AI-generated answers and images are disabled by default, providing convenience for those who prefer simple and precise search.