DuckDuckGo Installs Rise 30% Amid Backlash Over Google AI Search

Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo is seeing a surge in app installs and user traffic amid growing criticism of Google’s latest AI-powered Search overhaul.

The backlash began after Google announced major updates to its Search platform during its annual developer conference, Google I/O, where the company expanded AI-generated search summaries, conversational AI features and its new ‘AI Mode.’ The update allows users to ask follow-up questions directly within Search instead of browsing traditional web links.

While Google described the move as the future of online search, many users raised concerns over inaccurate AI-generated responses, reduced visibility for websites and the inability to fully opt out of AI-powered features.

According to DuckDuckGo, app installs in the United States increased by an average of 18.1% week over week between May 20 and May 25, peaking at 30.5% on May 25. On iOS devices, installs reportedly grew by an average of 33%.

Gabriel Weinberg, CEO of DuckDuckGo, said “Google is force-feeding AI with no way to opt out,” reacting to Google’s Search changes. 

“As a result, their results are getting worse, not better. We want to be the place that puts users in charge and allows them to decide how much or how little AI they want,” he added.

The company also reported increased traffic to its AI-free search page, which disables AI-generated summaries and AI-created images by default.

Third-party analytics firm Apptopia also found that DuckDuckGo’s average daily downloads in the US rose by 29% during the same period.

While DuckDuckGo positions itself as an alternative to search engines that rely heavily on AI, it still provides access to optional AI features via its Duck.ai platform, though it maintains a strong focus on protecting user privacy.

“Not only do we respect user choice, but also user privacy. We don’t collect search histories or chats, and nothing is used for AI training,” Weinberg said.