DuckDuckGo Attacks Google on Privacy

Updated January 7, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

We often tell our clients that privacy on the Web is an illusion. In a series of videos, DuckDuckGo (DDG) nips at Google’s Achilles’ heel: user data collection for ad targeting. They also paint Facebook with the same brush with their filtering tactics. DDG released a video on five reasons not to use Google; it reiterates many points we already know. What’s surprising is how Google responded.

Throwing Stones at a Giant: Duck Duck Go’s Video

By the way, Duck Duck Go’s “Why Your Privacy is Worth More Than You Think” is just one of many videos produced by this security-aware search engine. It’s one in a series that attacks Google’s “money machine.” To view the video, it’s no surprise you won’t find it on YouTube — a Google property. You’ll need to watch it on Vimeo.

Why Your Privacy Is Worth More Than You Think from DuckDuckGo on Vimeo.

Google’s Response

Danny Sullivan, founder of Search Engine Land, joined Google’s ranks in 2017. He officially responded to the DDG video in a tweet.

Okay. He directly responds to the technical claims in the video. The bigger issue — using online data for targeting and filtering — is still hanging out there. You can see a recap of the tweets and Google’s point of view in today’s Search Engine Roundtable article.

Perspective

According to StatCounter, Google has a 92% market share. DuckDuckGo is .54% Before you completely write DDG as an unworthy Google adversary, the search engine is seeing growth… hitting a daily record of 47 million searches. Share on X

A New Standard of Trust Online

As a marketer, I’m impressed with how spot-on DuckDuckGo is with their messaging: “join us for setting a new standard for trust online.” There’s a reason why some searchers are turning to Google alternatives. Google may be dismissive of DDG because of their paltry market share. Hopefully there’s a growing interest and eventual outcry in how our online lives are manipulated.

What are your thoughts on Google’s response to DuckDuckGo’s video?

Photo credit – Top: XoMEoX