DuckDuckGo is taking flak online after a security researcher discovered its mobile browser allows Microsoft trackers on third-party sites.
In addition to its privacy-focused search engine, the company also makes a mobile browser for Android and iOS that features HTTPS-always encryption, third-party cookie blocking and tracker blocking.
According to BleepingComputer (opens in new tab), security researcher Zach Edwards discovered that DuckDuckGo’s mobile browser allows Microsoft trackers while blocking those from Google and Facebook. Additional tests revealed that the company’s mobile browser allows trackers from both Bing and LinkedIn while blocking trackers from other sites.
Private search but less private browsing
DuckDuckGo founder and CEO Gabriel Weinberg responded to Edwards’ thread on Twitter by confirming that its browser only allows Microsoft trackers on third-party sites due to a search syndication agreement with the software giant. Weinberg provided further details on the matter in a tweet (opens in new tab), saying:
“For non-search tracker blocking (e.g. in our browser), we block most third-party trackers. Unfortunately our Microsoft search syndication agreement prevents us from doing more to Microsoft-owned properties. However, we have been continually pushing and expect to be doing more soon.”
While DuckDuckGo’s mobile browser allows trackers from Microsoft, the same can’t be said about its search engine, which makes money from private ads based on search results pages viewed by its users.
The news that its mobile browser features trackers from Microsoft comes at an especially bad time for DuckDuckGo, as the company recently called out Google over its new Topics and FLEDGE tracking methods in a recent tweet. The company also suggested that users install its Privacy Essentials Chrome extension (opens in new tab) to block Topics and Fledge when using Google Chrome, as DuckDuckGo’s desktop browser is currently only available for Mac.
Modified search syndication agreement
Weinberg reached out to BleepingComputer and explained in a statement to the publication that DuckDuckGo still provides “significantly more privacy protection” than Safari, Firefox and other browsers.
To fix the issue regarding Microsoft’s trackers in its mobile browser, the company is working with the software giant in an attempt to modify its search syndication agreement. At the same time, DuckDuckGo plans to update its app store descriptions to be more transparent about the use of Microsoft trackers for third-party sites.
DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser alternatives worth considering
If you want a private browser for Android and iOS but are put off by DuckDuckGo allowing Microsoft trackers in its mobile browser, there are several other alternatives worth considering among the best Android browsers.
Mozilla Firefox for mobile can block more than 2000 trackers and its default private browsing mode deletes your history and cookies automatically after you close all windows. It can also sync your passwords, tabs, history and bookmarks across devices.
Brave is another privacy-focused browser which is capable of blocking trackers and unnecessary ads while enabling anonymous browsing using Tor. However, you can also earn rewards by watching Brave’s privacy-respecting ads.
If DuckDuckGo has become your search engine of choice, it’s worth remembering that you can use the company’s private search engine on any browser as it isn’t limited to DuckDuckGo Private Browser.
