DuckDuckGo admits it lets Microsoft track you

Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckgo has admitted that it does allow Microsoft to track you online when you use its browser on Android and IOS devices, and apple macs. Security researcher Zach Edwards made the discovery then tweeted about it, saying that while duckduckgo blocks google and facebook trackers, it allowed Microsoft trackers to continue running.

DuckDuckgo responded by acknowledging that the browser doesn’t block tracking on some sites owned by Microsoft, such as recruitment site LinkedIn and search engine Bing, because of a search syndication agreement with the company. This refers to Microsoft’s Bing providing much of the search results given by DuckDuckgo search engine.

DuckDuckgo has also changed the description of the browser on the google and apple app stores, which now states we are prevented from blocking due to contractual restrictions with Microsoft. Replying to Edwards tweets , Gabriel Weinberg, boss and founder of DuckDuckgo, pointed out that the contract with Microsoft has nothing to do with search, and that you’re completely anonymous when you use the companies search engine. A spokesperson later added that anyone using its browser on android or IOS is still getting significantly more privacy protection by default with DuckDuckgo than they would using safari, Firefox, chrome and other browsers.

They also said that DuckDuckgo has never promised 100 per cent protection because its not possible for a number of reasons. The company is more famous for its search engine, which doesn’t share details of your searches or collect personal data that can be used to show you adverts tailored to your interests. But it plans to launch a browser for windows computers later this year, to complement those already available for android, IOS and apple macs.