DuckDuckGo has introduced AI-assisted answers for all users following a beta phase, offering AI-generated summaries of search queries.
Highlights
The feature, similar to Google’s AI Overviews, allows users to receive key insights directly in search results.
Unlike Google, DuckDuckGo provides full control over how often AI-generated responses appear, giving users the flexibility to adjust the frequency or disable the feature entirely.
Customizable AI-Assisted Answers
The AI-assisted answers work by generating concise summaries based on search queries, reducing the need to scroll through multiple search results. Users can choose from four settings to control AI-generated responses:
- Never – Disables AI-generated summaries.
- On-Demand – Allows users to generate responses manually by tapping a button.
- Sometimes – Displays AI-generated answers occasionally.
- Often – Shows AI-powered summaries for around 20% of searches.
DuckDuckGo emphasizes that these AI-generated responses are processed anonymously, ensuring that user data remains private and is not shared with third parties.
Source links are included with each AI-assisted answer, allowing users to verify the information independently. The feature relies on real-time web crawling, making the summaries dynamic and up-to-date, though their accuracy depends on the sources from which data is retrieved.
Enhancements to the Duck.ai Chatbot
Alongside search enhancements, DuckDuckGo has also upgraded its Duck.ai chatbot (formerly known as AI Chat). The chatbot now supports multiple AI models, including:
- OpenAI’s GPT-4o mini
- o3-mini
- Meta Llama 3.3
A key new feature is “Recent Chats,” which allows conversations to be stored locally on the user’s device instead of on DuckDuckGo’s or third-party servers. This ensures that chat histories remain private and inaccessible to external providers.
Planned Future Updates
DuckDuckGo has announced additional AI-driven features in development, including:
- Web search integration for Duck.ai, enabling the chatbot to provide more relevant responses.
- Voice interaction support for mobile users.
- Image upload functionality for AI-powered analysis.
These upcoming features aim to enhance user experience while maintaining DuckDuckGo’s commitment to privacy.
A Privacy-Focused Alternative in AI Search
As AI-generated content becomes more common in search engines, DuckDuckGo’s approach seeks to balance AI-powered convenience with user privacy and control.
By offering customizable AI-assisted answers and private chatbot interactions, the company is positioning itself as a viable alternative for users who want AI-enhanced search capabilities without compromising data privacy.
