DuckDuckGo Isn’t as Private as You Think!

[Max Magnus]

A few years ago, I heard DDG wasn't that private... in fact they're equal to Chrome for privacy.

I don't use them and haven't for 5 yrs.

Just a Heads up for those who don't know (this article was written 3 yrs ago but is still relevant).

DuckDuckGo Isn’t as Private as You Think

Plus: A $150 million Twitter fine, a massive leak from a Chinese prison in Xinjiang, and an ISIS plot to assassinate George W. Bush.

www.wired.com

Thoughts / Comments?

 

[nullandvoid]

I still use Google overall, but for some results, like practical use of AAS, I have to use DDG or others because Google filters those results. I'm sure they filter a lot more than that, but it's usually the most manipulated topic I see because of my interests.

But I've also steered away from DDG in recent years myself because they aren't as neutral or privacy-motivated as they claim. For more "raw" results, I've been using qwant.com or mojeek.com. Mojeek can produce some interesting results. Interested to see other suggestions on other search engines. I only learn enough to get me by in any given situation because I'm just going to forget it anyway.

 

[Max Magnus]

I still use Google overall, but for some results, like practical use of AAS, I have to use DDG or others because Google filters those results. I'm sure they filter a lot more than that, but it's usually the most manipulated topic I see because of my interests.

But I've also steered away from DDG in recent years myself because they aren't as neutral or privacy-motivated as they claim. For more "raw" results, I've been using qwant.com or mojeek.com. Mojeek can produce some interesting results. Interested to see other suggestions on other search engines. I only learn enough to get me by in any given situation because I'm just going to forget it anyway.

I'm sure they are a fine SE... but they are not private MAINLY because they leave a 'fingerprint' that is trackable on your browser.

 

[AlexDavis43]

I use Brave browser and a VPN. I haven't tried Brave's VPN but the one I use gets the job done.

 

[RandallFlagg]

I suppose I will sound really naive and stupid asking this but I'm gonna anyway...

Do you guys use these browsers and VPNs all the time? Or specifically for AAS and ancillary browsing?

To be honest, I seldom pay attention to whether my VPN is on or not even though I have one. Is this truly a next level layer of security? Like I get it surfing the dark web or something hardcore illegal (topics I wouldn't even know what to contemplate)...but am I moron for using Chrome and not really thinking it will substantially increase exposure to law enforcement anymore than going to the post office to sign for a package would? I mean I rarely even use a VPN to purchase shit.

No one has to get THAT specific if they don't want to...I'm not fishing for info (I'm too dumb to know how to properly break the law but too smart to be LE, FWIW).

 

[ineffectual]

I only learn enough to get me by in any given situation because I'm just going to forget it anyway.

I understand this thought so much.