Company Directory - DuckDuckGo
Company Details - DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo
WebsitePaoli, United States
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that emphasizes protecting your privacy and avoiding the filter bubble of personalized search results. Unlike many other search engines, it does not track user activity or personal information.
CCI Score
CCI Score: DuckDuckGo
12.50
-0.03%
Latest Event
Alleged Shady Privacy Policy Allows Microsoft Data Access
A security researcher has alleged that DuckDuckGo's privacy policy includes an agreement that permits Microsoft to access user data for targeted ads, which contradicts the search engine's commitment to protecting user privacy.
Take Action
So what can you do? Support DuckDuckGo by shopping, spreading the word, or offering your support.
- Shop Alternatives
SEE ALL - Use Your Voice
OTHER TOOLS - Investigate
- Share the Score
SUPPORT CCI
SABOTEUR
DuckDuckGo is currently rated as a Saboteur.
Latest Events
- JAN012025
A security researcher has alleged that DuckDuckGo's privacy policy includes an agreement that permits Microsoft to access user data for targeted ads, which contradicts the search engine's commitment to protecting user privacy.
-40
Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility
May 22
The article alleges that DuckDuckGo's privacy policy enables Microsoft to access users' data for targeted ads, which undermines the firm's stated commitment to protecting user privacy. This practice raises ethical concerns about data protection and transparency, potentially exposing users to surveillance risks and eroding trust.
Security researcher alleges DuckDuckGo privacy policy to be shady
- JUN012022
DuckDuckGo encountered significant public criticism over its approach to censoring search results and its opaque negotiations with Microsoft regarding data tracking. The controversy, which emerged around 2022, has raised concerns about the company's commitment to free and transparent information flow, potentially undermining democratic discourse.
-50
Public and Political Behavior
May 22
DuckDuckGo's decision to censor search results has impacted the public's access to diverse political information and dialogue. This action compromises the foundational tenets of free speech and informed public debate, aligning indirectly with authoritarian controls over information.
-40
Media Influence and Propaganda
May 22
The censorship measures, including selective removal of search results and opaque dealings with major tech firms, contribute to an environment that stifles media plurality and free information exchange. This creates conditions that can support authoritarian narratives and impede democratic participation.
- MAY282022
A security researcher revealed that DuckDuckGo’s browser, long touted for its privacy-first stance, allowed Microsoft’s tracking scripts to load due to an existing search syndication agreement. CEO Gabriel Weinberg acknowledged the limitation on Twitter and indicated that the company is working to change the arrangement.
-30
Technology and Services Impact
May 22
DuckDuckGo’s decision to allow Microsoft-owned tracking scripts, as revealed by a security researcher, undermines its core privacy commitment. This breach not only erodes consumer trust but also potentially facilitates surveillance practices that can align with authoritarian mechanisms. The company's acknowledgment of the issue further highlights a gap between its public ethical stance and operational decisions.
- MAR172022
Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, DuckDuckGo, led by CEO Gabriel Weinberg, implemented search algorithm updates to downrank sites linked to Russian disinformation. The move, aimed at reducing the spread of false narratives associated with the Russian state, has drawn considerable backlash from portions of its user base who argue that the decision injects bias into search results. However, DuckDuckGo maintains that the targeted action is a signal for lower quality due to misinformation, differentiating it from outright censorship.
+70
Executive Political Engagement
May 22
DuckDuckGo's CEO publicly articulated support for downranking Russian disinformation, framing it as a necessary measure against authoritarian propaganda. This executive political engagement is viewed positively from an anti-fascist perspective, as it actively combats foreign state-sponsored disinformation.
The DuckDuckGo Users Furious at Its Response to the War in Ukraine
+60
Media Influence and Propaganda
May 22
By modifying its search algorithm to demote disinformation, DuckDuckGo is influencing media content exposure. This action is evaluated favorably from an anti-authoritarian stance, as it aims to reduce the spread of misinformation and counter narrative manipulation.
The DuckDuckGo Users Furious at Its Response to the War in Ukraine
- MAR102022
DuckDuckGo has updated its search ranking algorithms to actively demote websites known for spreading Russian propaganda amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. CEO Gabriel Weinberg stated his disapproval of Russia's invasion and emphasized the company’s commitment to improving search result relevance by lowering disinformation-linked sites and featuring high-quality news modules. Additionally, the company paused its partnership with Yandex in Russian and Turkish markets due to the war.
+75
Executive Political Engagement
May 22
DuckDuckGo’s CEO publicly expressed strong disapproval of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and demonstrated leadership by initiating algorithmic changes that demote disinformation. This proactive executive engagement signals a commitment to countering authoritarian narratives and supporting democratic information practices.
+80
Media Influence and Propaganda
May 22
The search engine’s update to down-rank sites that propagate Russian disinformation represents a significant adjustment in media influence. By elevating quality content with informational boxes and reducing the visibility of misleading or propaganda content, DuckDuckGo is actively fostering a more informed public discourse and countering authoritarian messaging.
- MAR102022
DuckDuckGo announced an update to its search algorithm to down-rank sites associated with Russian disinformation, with CEO Gabriel Weinberg publicly condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine and emphasizing the need to deliver accurate information.
+50
Executive Political Engagement
May 22
CEO Gabriel Weinberg's tweet and DuckDuckGo's decision to alter its ranking algorithm demonstrates active executive political engagement against authoritarian actions, reinforcing an anti-fascist stance.
+50
Media Influence and Propaganda
May 22
The algorithm update targeting Russian propaganda reflects DuckDuckGo’s commitment to reducing the influence of state-sponsored disinformation, thereby promoting access to accurate and reputable information.
- MAR092022
DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg announced on March 9 changes to down-rank sites spreading Russian disinformation, including suspending its partnership with the Russian search engine Yandex. The decision, aimed at curbing harmful misinformation, sparked controversy among conservative users who felt betrayed by the platform's perceived censorship.
+65
Executive Political Engagement
May 22
CEO Gabriel Weinberg’s public announcement expressing his disapproval of Russian disinformation and subsequent decision to alter the search algorithm demonstrates proactive executive political engagement against authoritarian propaganda. This stance aligns with anti-fascist principles by countering state-sponsored misinformation.
+50
Media Influence and Propaganda
May 22
By modifying its search rankings to demote Russian state media and other sources of disinformation, DuckDuckGo is taking an active role in controlling the spread of propaganda. This decision, while contentious among some users, reflects a commitment to limiting the influence of authoritarian messaging.
Alternatives

San Francisco, United States
-25.90

Hyderabad, India
-40.91

Mountain View, United States
-10.04

Mountain View, United States
-18.70

Menlo Park, United States
-43.55
Menlo Park, United States
-53.13
Moscow, Russia
-2.07

Corporation
56.42

Corporation
-3.78

Corporation
-27.25
Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2025
- $30.00M
Industries
- 518210
- Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services
- 511210
- Software Publishers
- 519130
- Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals