DuckDuckGo Launches User-Controlled AI Features

DuckDuckGo, the privacy-centric search engine, has officially launched its AI-assisted answers feature, previously available only in beta. This new functionality allows users to receive AI-generated summaries of their search queries, akin to Google’s AI Overviews. However, DuckDuckGo distinguishes itself by offering users the ability to control how often these summaries appear, including the option to disable them entirely.

DuckDuckGo Introduces AI-Assisted Answers

In a recent blog post, DuckDuckGo’s CEO and Founder Gabriel Weinberg detailed the rollout of AI-assisted answers. This feature aims to provide users with quick snapshots of information relevant to their searches, enhancing the overall search experience. Unlike other search engines, DuckDuckGo prioritizes user choice, allowing individuals to determine the frequency of AI-generated summaries.

Many users prefer traditional search results over AI-generated content. In contrast to Google, which does not offer an option to disable AI Overviews, DuckDuckGo empowers its users with control. By accessing the search settings and navigating to the AI Features section, users can select from four options: Never, On-Demand, Sometimes, and Often. The “Never” option disables the feature, while “On-Demand” allows users to generate AI-assisted answers by clicking a button on the search results page.

Weinberg noted that selecting “Often” will result in AI-assisted answers appearing for approximately 20 percent of queries. Importantly, DuckDuckGo emphasizes that these AI-generated summaries are created anonymously, ensuring that users’ personal information remains confidential and is not shared with third parties.

Ensuring Reliability and Transparency

DuckDuckGo assures users about the reliability of the AI-assisted answers, stating that the information is sourced through real-time web crawling. However, the company acknowledges that it cannot guarantee the authenticity of all sources. To promote transparency, each AI-generated summary includes a citation of the source from which the information was derived, allowing users to assess the credibility of the content themselves.

This approach not only enhances user trust but also encourages critical thinking about the information presented. By providing source links, DuckDuckGo aims to foster an informed user base that can make educated decisions based on the data they encounter.

Enhancements to Duck.ai and User Privacy

In addition to the new AI-assisted answers, DuckDuckGo has upgraded its Duck.ai feature, previously known as AI Chat. The company has integrated new AI models, including OpenAI’s GPT-4o mini and o3-mini, as well as Meta’s Llama 3.3. These enhancements aim to improve the quality and responsiveness of AI interactions.

Furthermore, DuckDuckGo has introduced a “Recent Chats” feature, which allows users to store their conversations with the AI locally on their devices. This ensures that no chat data is stored on DuckDuckGo’s servers or those of the AI providers, reinforcing the company’s commitment to user privacy and data security.

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