Does Duckduckgo Hide Your IP Address?

DuckDuckGo is perhaps best known as the ultimate private search engine. While this is true, it's still necessary to understand what gives DuckDuckGo its slogan "Privacy, simplified."

Unlike many other search engines (including Google), DuckDuckGo is unconcerned with your personal information, which sounds like every online surfer's dream. But do they keep your Ip address hidden? Let’s find out. 

What is Duckduckgo?

DuckDuckGo is a search engine that emphasizes online privacy by not tracking users' online activities. No cookies are used to track users, and no personal information is gathered, according to the provider. Furthermore, advertisers are not able to see your IP address or location because the search engine covers it.

So, does Duckduckgo hide your Ip address?

Popular web browsers such as Google Chrome, Bing, and Firefox are well-known for a reason. One of these benefits is that they are simple to use. They are, however, well-known for tracking everything you do online.

When using Google or Bing to search the internet, even in private or incognito mode, the keywords you enter are forwarded to the site you are visiting in the HTTP reader. When you access the site, your device automatically shares information with the site, including your IP address. This is data that could be used to identify you. DuckDuckGo refers to this phenomenon as search leaking.

DuckDuckGo by default prevents search leakage in its search results. Your keywords are masked by the search engine so that other sites cannot see them. The websites you visit will have no idea what keywords you used to find their content. The site owners will not be able to identify you using your personal information. They have no idea what your IP address is.

Is Duckduckgo a VPN?

DuckDuckGo is easily confused with a VPN because they both preserve anonymity and privacy. They are not, however, the same. DuckDuckGo is a search engine, but a VPN is a private network that allows you to connect to the internet securely.

One of the many reasons people confuse DuckDuckGo with a VPN is DuckDuckGo's app and browser extension, which have privacy capabilities that are practically identical to VPNs.

For example, Duckduckgo makes use of smarter encryption features that protect your data from prying eyes at every opportunity. There is also an automatic built-in ad blocker that prevents secret third-party trackers on most websites from seeing what sites you visit and collecting and then selling your data.

The Duckduckgo browser extension and smartphone app do not track your search history, which further helps to protect your privacy online. They even have a privacy-grade feature that can show you to what degree a particular website is protected. This helps you avoid potentially unsecured websites.

Should I use a VPN while using Duckduckgo?

DuckDuckGo is a useful tool for protecting one's internet privacy. However, it can only do so much on its own. There are several reasons why you should use a VPN when browsing using DuckDuckGo.

To begin with, Duckduckgo's search engine only protects you while you are using it. This means that if you use another search engine, your privacy is no longer guaranteed. If you have a VPN, you’ll be guaranteed complete privacy because everything you do on the internet will be encrypted.

It’s also important to note that some countries have blocked access to Duckduckgo entirely. For example, countries such as China and India are a couple of the nations that don’t allow access to Duckduckgo. This means that inhabitants of such countries cannot use the search engine. By hiding your IP address, a VPN allows you to avoid geo-blocking and restrictions.

How does Duckduckgo differ from a VPN?

The primary distinction between DuckDuckGo and VPN is how they secure your privacy. Unlike a VPN, which protects your entire device, DuckDuckGo just protects your online privacy when you're using it. Your complete device is not protected by the search engine.

For example, Duckduck go protects your privacy by not storing any of your personal information and data, which prevents third parties from accessing them and using them against you in terms of advertising.

Duckduckgo also prides itself on protecting privacy by blocking all cookies and trackers. So, you won’t have to worry about being bombarded with constant pop-ups and targeted advertisements. Finally, Duckduckgo will also automatically take you to encrypted websites only, providing that there are some available. Doing so further protects your data.

Is it against the law to use Duckduckgo?

DuckDuckGo has been prohibited in countries such as China and India. As a result, people of such nations are unable to benefit from the search engine. You will also be unable to access the private search engine if you are touring or visiting such countries.

VPNs are useful for circumventing restrictions. With a VPN, you can easily circumvent DuckDuckGo's restrictions in countries such as China and India.

A VPN covers your IP address, making it look as if you are online from a location where DuckDuckGo is permitted. It isn’t illegal to use Duckduckgo, so long as you are not in any of the countries where its use is prohibited or controlled.

Conclusion

DuckDuckGo is an outstanding private search engine that provides numerous benefits once integrated into your surfing sessions. It can provide you with the necessary privacy to keep you safe from nosy ISPs and government surveillance. Where it falls short, though, is where VPNs come in.

DuckDuckGo provides excellent internet anonymity when used in conjunction with a reliable VPN. So, certainly, it is required for online privacy. But to get the most out of your Duckduckgo experience, we recommend using it in conjunction with a reliable and secure VPN.