DuckDuckGo installs surge 30% after Google adds forced AI search

Following Google's announcement to incorporate AI into their search engine, DuckDuckGo has seen a significant rise in user acquisitions, particularly among iOS users in the U.S. This trend aligns with a growing discontent towards Google's enforced generative features due to the absence of an opt-out option. DuckDuckGo's app installations surged by over 30% and traffic to their AI-free site increased by 22.7%.

Critics, including DuckDuckGo's CEO, argue that Google's strategy degrades search utility, whereas DuckDuckGo emphasizes user consent and control over AI features. This shift reflects a consumer preference for traditional, unautomated search experiences.