- DuckDuckGo installs are up 30% as users reject being ‘force-fed’ Google’s AI Search, indicating a shift in user preference.
- On iOS, the rate of install is even higher, with week-over-week growth hitting a 33% average and peaking at 69.9%.
- DuckDuckGo continued to gain users over the Memorial Day weekend, when it usually sees a dip in traffic.
- "Google is force-feeding AI with no way to opt out," said Weinberg, commenting on Google’s Search overhaul.
- "As a result, we want to be the place that puts users in charge and allows them to decide how much or how little AI they want."
- "Not only do we respect user choice, but also user privacy," Weinberg emphasized.
- "Everything you do in DuckDuckGo is private; we don’t collect search histories or chats and nothing is used for AI training."
DuckDuckGo has experienced a significant boost in app installs, with a 30% surge attributed to growing user dissatisfaction with Google’s AI-focused search updates. According to DuckDuckGo, installs peaked at 30.5% on May 25 after a six-day growth streak. The company reported an average growth of 18.1% week-over-week from May 20 to May 25 compared to the previous week.
On iOS devices, the surge is even more pronounced, with week-over-week growth reaching an average of 33%, and a peak of 69.9%. These trends reflect a shift among users who feel that they are being forced into AI-driven search experiences without options to opt-out, as noted by DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg: "Google is force-feeding AI with no way to opt out". Weinberg expressed a commitment to user choice, emphasizing that DuckDuckGo aims to provide users with control over their search experience, allowing them to decide how much AI they want integrated into their searches.5
Weinberg further highlighted the platform’s dedication to privacy stating, "Not only do we respect user choice, but also user privacy," elucidating that all user activities on DuckDuckGo are private. The company does not collect search histories or personal data for AI training purposes, strengthening its appeal among users desiring more control over their online privacy amid growing concerns over AI technology's encroachment on user experience.7
“DuckDuckGo reported a 30% increase in installs as users express dissatisfaction with Google's AI Search changes. The growth demonstrates a shift in user preference towards privacy-focused alternatives.”
TechCrunch