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4.2 1226 Reviews

DuckDuckGo Complaints Summary

7 Resolved
252 Unresolved
Our verdict: If considering services from DuckDuckGo with a critical resolution rate, extra caution is advised. Examine detailed customer feedback to understand the severity and nature of unresolved issues. Be prepared for the possibility of unsatisfactory responses and have contingency plans, including seeking assistance from consumer advocacy groups if necessary.
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DuckDuckGo reviews & complaints 276

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Newest DuckDuckGo reviews & complaints

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H
2:31 pm EDT
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

DuckDuckGo - illegal conduct

I see your website has my search info back you your search Engine, why I don't know, I am NOT on the state of Connecticut Sex Offenders List ( SOR ) the website Instantcheckmate.com had NO right to publish my info knowing I was taking off the State Of Connecticut SOR on 7/14/18, I do not blame Duck duck go for this, but I don't understand why no one did a...

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ComplaintsBoard
B
9:41 am EDT

DuckDuckGo search engine

I love the idea that there is an alternative to Google. What I don't love is the unusual results that come up when searching for something. For example, when I typed in the name of a company, DDG autofills the Twitter handle for that company...instead of the company's website? I convinced my husband to use it instead of Google and he said the same, the search results don't make sense. Please update your algorithms if you want us to continue using you and spreading the word about you!

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R
3:03 am EDT

DuckDuckGo serp

Trying to find who is US Attorney General August 29 2019 with keyword 'us ag', brings up on right hand side of first SERP page former AG Jeff Sessions with picture, but Barr is nowehere to see?

Even Google do it correctly !

Search is made of DuckDuckgo searc United States.

There's also in your image sears huge lack of relevant pictures, really often with no results at all !

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H
2:12 am EDT

DuckDuckGo duck and go web service

I just loaded duck and go, nd tried to make it my web browser, I also downloaded duck and go from my I phone. Also I do not think duck and go actually downloaded to my computer because I keep coming to page to downloas duck and go. My I phone is missing contacts etc this is an apple i phone. Yea every time I try to use you, it sucks. Either you are full of it or i just don't know. Your web site does not even look like a web site it is always asking me to download duck and go.
I am going to do some other things lik change cirus programs and
I might consider Duck and
Go but I must see better results than what i have seen.
Now I downloaded your app on Apple and my contaqcts are tottaly screwed up and they say my -password is wrong which I know it is not. All after downloading this wonderful duck and go. Same for tor also. I do not have time to play the configure game.

I would appreciate an e-mail at [protected]@gmail.com. I need to know i can trust this before I go changing e mails for more secure one and other things lik McAfee but what just happened to my apple I phine has never happened.
Hey you know what I think happened, I think you used me. If I found out I would do everything possible to hurt your company. I mean really download duck and go the safest browser on the web and my I phone [censored]s up for the first time. Yea i thik you lie, to be blunt. Sorry bout that. You hacked my [censored], [censored]. You are running scripts on my damn computer. You ought to be i in jail.

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L
9:49 am EDT

DuckDuckGo duckduckgo search engine

It has come to my attn that Duck Duck Go is sharing information with Google. I will as of today cease using this product. You state that you allow anonymous browsing but Google is the largest site for sharing information that there is on the web. I fine to be quite unusual that a complaing less than 350 characters is not receiving equal attention as one with less characters. There now there are 405.

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C
Cliff Hammer
, US
Aug 24, 2019 12:46 pm EDT

Where ever you go on the internet you are tracked.

ComplaintsBoard
Y
9:11 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DuckDuckGo unable to switch back

Now I am going to start by saying, I love DuckDuckGo, it is great and I love that you are fighting for the cause of social security. But, after using google for so many years, I feel like the DuckDuckGo browser is just too different. I can't get used to it even though I've been using it for about a month. I accidentally deleted google from the list of default browsers, and I've tried manually adding it back but when I do, the option to make default browser does not appear. I can't use bing or yahoo either. Those browsers are massivley different, with everything. The problem with DuckDuckGo is that the smaller more important things are different too. like the google translate feature. I need that for inter country discussions, and speaking to a few of my non english friends. I know that I can still use google as a browser by searching it, but that means I have to do it each time. Please get back to me soon, I use my chromebook very very often and it is really starting to bother me. If you are worried about my personal data being exposed, I can now afford a VPN so I will be fine. On other devices, I will coninue to use DuckDuckGo, but not on here. My email is (please bear with me, I am an intensly immature person) [protected]@gmail.com, and I will await your response.

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D
12:47 am EDT

DuckDuckGo "maps"

My business, "Blinds, etc." does not show up in your local "Maps" listings. You have merchants that are not even in my industry! All of my competition shows up- except me! I am top rated on Yelp, where you apparently draw your "Maps" results. I am one of the oldest companies in my area. I've used DDG for a long time and have referred many users- I can't do that anymore. You make it impossible to contact a real person at your organization and you make it impossible to update a business listing. I was once a believer in your business plan but now I simply believe this search engine is the worst! I'd rather let my data be tracked than support this kind of singular ostracizing of my business.! Of course, this "complaint form" is useless because I'm sure I will not hear back from anyone in this organization who cares. Frustrated to the max with Duck Duck Go!

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D
12:20 pm EDT

DuckDuckGo strict safety search issues

When searching for images, I do my very best to keep the search key words as neutral as possible, and set the safety to strict - yet I still get inappropriate content at times, which really ticks. Me. Off. Especially knowing that some parents use strict safety searches for their kids, and said kids still stumbling on content they shouldn't be seeing anyway.

This has happened several times since I began using DuckDuckGo a few months ago. They need to be stricter over the image results, maybe have a living person (not another robot) review them to make sure they fit the strict safety search result requirements in case the algorithm missed something.

Seriously, though, I shouldn't be finding inappropriate images when researching a 100% clean video game like popular kid-friendly Nintendo games, or dresses from the Renaissance, as another complaint mentioned!

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D
8:24 pm EDT

DuckDuckGo usps change of address

when searching for USPS change of address the top listing is Postaddresschanges.com

this site mimics the USPS address change site and charges $39.95 for the service the Postal service charges $1.05 for.

When I called the number listed at the bottom of their site to cancel...I was told they have no record of me.

They have, how ever dinged my credit card for $39.95

Clearly this is. a scam site

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L
4:58 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DuckDuckGo porn sites come up on duckduckgo

07/17/2019 around 2:39pm
I am growing spanish black radishes in my garden . I searched duckduckgo with a question which was "spanish black radish is too hard to cut".

This was the first duckduckgo find:
Insanely Hot Spanish Brunette [censored]ed Very Hard - XNXX.COM
Search domain www.xnxx.com/video-f3flfdd/insanely_hot_spanish_brunette_fucked_very_hardhttps://www.xnxx.com/video-f3flfdd/insanely_hot_spanish_brunette_fucked_very_hard
Insanely Hot Spanish Brunette [censored]ed Very Hard - Edit title ... 18 min - 615, 088 hits - 720p Insatiable Spanish [censored] Rebeca Linares gets [censored]ed very hard. This is before she destroyed her body with those horrible new tits.
This was the 5th on the list of finds:
'dick too big homemade wife' Search - XVIDEOS.COM
Search domain www.xvideos.com/?k=dick+too+big+homemade+wifehttps://www.xvideos.com/?k=dick+too+big+homemade+wife

NOT GOOD AT ALL...
Will I receive a reply from you concerning this matter?

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I
Iren303
, US
Aug 06, 2019 12:34 pm EDT

There have been porn attacks whilst using DDG. I don't think DDG is unsafe, but the filth has a way of shoving its way into a phone or notebook -- sabotage? "delvers"? Or hacking come from the vicious?

ComplaintsBoard
K
4:17 pm EDT

DuckDuckGo image search

I searched for Dakoka glass marks and got a bunch of hard core porno in the images.

The address is above. I don't understand why I need to add all this typing in order to get you to look at it. Just trying to help you make the internet safe and I have to jump through hoops to get you to read my complaint.

The next time I see porno on your site I guess I'll just report it to the authorities.

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M
5:04 pm EDT

DuckDuckGo browser from play store

I just installed the browser and was testing it when i ran across the webRTC vunerabilty. The browser allows internal ip address gathering or real ip if using a vpn. in firefox it can be turned off with about:config/media.peerconnection.enabled/false but do not know how to set those type of options with your browser.

It might be worth mentioning it was only ip4 and not ip6 with duck where as firefox was giving up both internal addresses

A fairly serious breach for those of us trying to get some measure of online privacy.

Duckduckgo
Version 52803

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R
11:49 am EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DuckDuckGo strict search

I was searching for Renaissance fair clothing on strict search. Although the first 20 images were mostly a mixture of beautiful time period dresses and simple bar maid outfits from the time, the further down I scrolled, the more I got images of women in their underwear and bras. Not like for a bra commercial or catalog. I am talking about women in sexual poses very indiscreetly wearing modern clothing never to be seen on Renaissance fairs or during that time period. In short, it is soft porn. I have no interest in seeing this lewdness or nudity and neither does my husband, who finds it very offensive. Please work harder to make your strict search effective. If I had a teenager or younger I would have to ban them from the internet completely until I could find a strict search for them that actually worked. That is really a shame because teenagers need to understand the internet in order to apply to jobs and complete school assignments.

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S
11:37 am EDT

DuckDuckGo forced searches

when I type a web address into the address bar at the top of my browser, DDG does a search for it.

That's not what I want. I just want to go straight to the website, presuming I have not made a typo.

DDG is co-opting my website address input and forcing me to accept it as the basis of a gratuitous and unneeded search.

I'm glad I found this Complaints Board, because now that I've written a few words about it, I am realizing that I am not just merely annoyed about this.

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8:59 am EDT

DuckDuckGo firefox

Dear Duck Duck Go,

When I click to 'Add Duck Duck Go to Firefox' (screengrab attached). I get the message 'The Add-on could not be downloaded because of a connection failure' (screengrab also attached) but there is absolutely no connection failure. I have tried over and over again and adjusting Firefox preferences but am presuming this is something that Firefox have as part of their running software to prevent Duck Duck installation. Have you come across this before and if so, do you know an easy way to circumvent? Many thanks, Dan

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R
8:56 pm EDT

DuckDuckGo ad to switch to duckduckgo?

I have been a DuckDuckGo user for several years but every time I open my DuckDuckGo search page I get a pop up ad that asks me to use DuckDuckGo.

What can I do the stop receiving the Pop Ups from DuckDuckGo?

I use I.E, --Do you have a recommendation for anything better? I receive a lot of ads, even though I use DuckDuckGo and a computer security service.

I do appreciate the fine job DuckDuckGo is trying to do for we users.

Thank you

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I
7:18 am EDT

DuckDuckGo white couple pictures vs black couple pictures

hi DDG,
I've recently become a follower - so i'm very excited about the privacy that you punt.

that said - i was searching bot hin google and DDG search engines for "white couple pictures", and i got a whole lot of mixed couple pictures! Despite having virtually the same picture results, it was a lot of Mixed couples - NOT WHITE.
I'm perplexed.

i then did the same search of "black couple pictures" and wow there were alot of black couples!

I can't see how your search engine can not differentiate between white, black and mixed results . This is crazy - all we want is truth and transparency and no agenda... yet we seem to run into this everywhere - even at DDG.

If i want to search for dogs - the result should be dogs
the same is for horses, cats, people, houses, cars, fish, bricks, stapler, screen, etc.
why cant we find white couples. suurly your IT geniuses can write an algorithm that can search or identify markers on pictures that can select and identify white couples? surely?

anyway - thanks for the privacy - im loving that!

regards
Isaias

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R
7:38 pm EDT

DuckDuckGo search engine

I don't want to describe this as a complaint about what is otherwise a great search engine and a necessary replacement for the corrupt and monopolized activity of corporate social media that functions very similarly to mainstream corporate television networks.

With that said. . Why is DuckDuckGo using Wikipedia as it's go to for instant answers? Isn't that what we're trying to leave behind? Wikipedia promotes every mainstream brand of propaganda and BS pushed by corporate interests and bad government. Has DDG knuckled under to arm twisting also?

This post is presented with the following perspective:

In a world of corruption, there are no conspiracies. Corruption exists wherever disclosure can be managed. Normalization is the process by which we are made unaware though we find it all around us. We cannot acknowledge what we cannot accept when we remain cuckolded or "cucked" to the point that we cannot stand upon our own two feet and recognize anything for ourselves. In it's place, we may fall for every kind of hysteria that can be generated.

Ultimately, ideologies are not necessary as a handicap for taking on one's own perspective and being willing to think for oneself, without labels or justification of half the population in support and the other half against, as the hated and reviled. The only hate filled people left today are the accusers, while all else question now who are what they should be a part of, if not the "other side". I have nothing against the other side. I only say that you are your own first authority, to return to that self focus that you were originally given as your divine nature inherent even before religion was instilled in you in some cases. Your first inclination as a child was to integrate with your surroundings. It is only after sufficient distraction and disruptive example that you can be removed from self focus and doubt yourself and your intentions. Only through distraction can the illusion of guilt be inserted as a part of your awareness.

Once divided within, only then can you be divided from another in disagreement, compulsion and conflict. . sourced through guilt and division that originates within while accepting outside sources for interpretation and no longer trusting that center within where true understanding takes place. When self becomes new-age, it becomes another religion. Recognize yourself without labels or expectations. Know who you are from the beginning, for self focus never leaves you, though you may be distracted for a lifetime.

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3:22 pm EDT
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

DuckDuckGo search results

Hello, I am the victim of defamatory abuse from a site - pornwikileaks. This has been over my head for ten years, and hurts my family as well. After being subject to stalking, domestic violence, hate crime and discrimination, I have obtained a Public Official/Safe At Home demand form from Secretary of State. The are a quite a few links that reference me on this search engine that harm my chances, just to get a job or maintain some dignity.
http://www.pornwikileaks.com/wiki/?title=Category:Porn_Stars_By_Real_Name&until=Cassandra+Batte
http://www.pornwikileaks.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Porn_actors&from=Candice+Smith
http://pornwikileaks.com/wiki/[removed]
http://pornwikileaks.com/wiki/[removed]

Please let me know what my options are, any advice would be appreciated.
Thank you,
[name removed]
[protected]

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7:22 pm EDT

DuckDuckGo privacy

I was interested whether an organization or business could track my search on DuckDuckGo. I did a search only on DuckDuckGo for guitar lessons and when I go to MSN news, there's an ad for guitar lessons. How did MSN know that I was looking for guitar lessons on DuckDuckGo?! The company states that my privacy is paramount and yet, apparently, other corporations have access to my searches. Why?

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DuckDuckGo Customer Reviews Overview

DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that aims to offer users a more private alternative to other search engines. It distinguishes itself by not tracking user search activity or creating personal data profiles. DuckDuckGo also provides a mobile browser app and a desktop browser extension that block trackers and enforce privacy practices across websites. The company's services are centered on maintaining user confidentiality and offering a straightforward, user-friendly search experience.

DuckDuckGo In-depth Review

In summary, DuckDuckGo is a search engine that prioritizes user privacy and security. It offers a clean interface and useful tools, though it may not have the same level of detail in search results as some competitors. Below is a detailed review based on specific aspects.

Privacy and Security Features

  1. Search Engine Privacy: DuckDuckGo does not track your searches or link them to your personal information, providing a high level of privacy.
  2. Tracker Blocking: It blocks third-party trackers, which can prevent companies from collecting your browsing data.
  3. Encryption and Connection Security: DuckDuckGo uses secure, encrypted connections to protect your search activity.
  4. Private Search History: Your search history is not saved or shared, ensuring that your searches remain confidential.

User Experience

  1. Interface Design and Usability: The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it easy to use for everyone.
  2. Search Results Relevance: While generally good, the search results may not always be as comprehensive as those from larger search engines.
  3. Speed and Performance: DuckDuckGo offers fast search results, with minimal lag or delay.
  4. Accessibility Features: The search engine includes features that make it accessible to users with disabilities.

Additional Tools and Services

  1. Browser Extension Functionality: DuckDuckGo offers a browser extension that enhances privacy across the web.
  2. Mobile App Experience: The mobile app is robust and maintains the same privacy standards as the desktop version.
  3. Other Privacy Tools Offered: DuckDuckGo provides additional tools such as a privacy newsletter and privacy guides.

Customer Support and Resources

  1. Help and FAQ Accessibility: The help section and FAQs are easy to navigate and provide useful information.
  2. User Guides and Educational Content: DuckDuckGo offers guides and content to educate users about privacy.
  3. Support Response Times: The response times for support inquiries are not specified, but community forums can be helpful.
  4. Community and User Feedback: There is an active community that provides feedback and helps improve the service.

Company Ethics and Practices

  1. Data Handling Policies: DuckDuckGo has strict policies to ensure that user data is not misused.
  2. Transparency Reports: The company provides transparency reports, although they may not be as detailed as some users would like.
  3. Commitment to User Privacy: DuckDuckGo has a strong commitment to user privacy, which is central to its business model.
  4. Contributions to Open Source and Privacy Advocacy: The company contributes to open-source projects and advocates for privacy rights.

Comparison to Competitors

  1. Comparison with Other Search Engines: DuckDuckGo is often compared to Google for its privacy features, though it may lack in the variety of services offered.
  2. Unique Selling Points: The main selling point is its focus on privacy and not tracking users.
  3. Market Position and Popularity: DuckDuckGo is popular among privacy-conscious users, but it has a smaller market share compared to major search engines.

Business Model and Monetization

  1. Advertising and Affiliate Links: DuckDuckGo displays ads based on the search terms, not on user history, and uses affiliate links to generate revenue.
  2. User Donations and Funding: The company also accepts user donations, but details on funding are not widely publicized.
  3. Sustainability and Growth Strategy: DuckDuckGo focuses on sustainable growth by maintaining user trust and expanding its privacy features.

Future Outlook and Developments

  1. Planned Features and Updates: DuckDuckGo plans to continue improving its privacy features and expanding its services.
  2. Industry Trends and Adaptation: The company is well-positioned to adapt to increasing demands for online privacy.
  3. Expansion and Partnerships: DuckDuckGo is likely to seek partnerships that align with its privacy goals.

Pros and Cons Summary

  1. Advantages of Using DuckDuckGo: Strong privacy features, simple interface, and no tracking of personal information.
  2. Potential Drawbacks and Limitations: Less detailed search results compared to larger search engines and fewer integrated services.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Overall Assessment: DuckDuckGo is a solid choice for those prioritizing privacy over comprehensive search features.

Target Audience Suitability: Ideal for privacy-conscious users and those looking to avoid personalized search results.

Suggestions for Potential Users: Try DuckDuckGo as a primary or secondary search engine to enhance your online privacy.

How to file a complaint about DuckDuckGo?

Here is a guide on how to file a complaint against DuckDuckGo on ComplaintsBoard.com:

1. Log in or create an account:
- Start by logging into your ComplaintsBoard.com account. If you don't have an account, create one to proceed.

2. Navigating to the complaint form:
- Locate and click on the 'File a Complaint' button on the ComplaintsBoard.com website. You can find this button at the top right corner of the website.

3. Writing the title:
- Summarize the main issue you have with DuckDuckGo in the 'Complaint Title' section.

4. Detailing the experience:
- Provide detailed information about your experience with DuckDuckGo. Mention key areas of concern, transactions with the company, steps taken to resolve the issue, personal impact, etc.

5. Attaching supporting documents:
- Attach any relevant supporting documents to strengthen your complaint. Avoid including sensitive personal data.

6. Filing optional fields:
- Use the 'Claimed Loss' field to state any financial losses and the 'Desired Outcome' field to specify the resolution you are seeking.

7. Review before submission:
- Review your complaint for clarity, accuracy, and completeness before submitting it.

8. Submission process:
- Click the 'Submit' button to submit your complaint.

9. Post-Submission Actions:
- Regularly check for responses or updates related to your complaint on ComplaintsBoard.com.

Ensure you follow these steps carefully to effectively file a complaint against DuckDuckGo on ComplaintsBoard.com.

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