Title: DuckDuckGo Simplifies Access to Its ‘No-AI’ Search Engine Amid Surging Traffic

As user traffic surges, alternative search engine DuckDuckGo is capitalizing on growing skepticism toward artificial intelligence by releasing new browser extensions. These tools enable users to designate noai.duckduckgo.com as their primary search provider. Upon activation, the extensions route queries to DuckDuckGo’s AI-free interface, which the company states eliminates AI-generated answers, removes chat prompts, and reduces the presence of AI-created images in results. The extensions are currently compatible with Chrome and Firefox browsers. For users already utilizing the dedicated DuckDuckGo web browser, AI preferences are maintained even after clearing browser history.

The initiative aims to provide a stable, AI-free search environment, a feature that has become increasingly scarce following Google’s May developer conference announcement. There, Google unveiled an AI-centric overhaul of its search engine, prompting a significant spike in DuckDuckGo’s user base. Last week, the company reported that visits to its no-AI search page rose nearly 30% week-over-week, while U.S. app installations increased by 18.1%. Notably, U.S. iOS app installs saw a peak growth rate of 69.9% during the same period.

This influx of users coincided with Google’s introduction of what it described as the most substantial change to its search engine in over a quarter-century. The revamped system prioritizes AI-generated search overviews over traditional links. These interactive summaries can generate visualizations, charts, graphs, and even mini-apps as required. Furthermore, follow-up questions within AI Overviews direct users into an AI Mode chat experience, relegating the traditional “10 blue links” to a secondary position below the AI-driven content.

Not all users have embraced this shift toward AI as the default, leading many to explore alternatives such as Kagi and DuckDuckGo. According to DuckDuckGo, traffic to its no-AI search page tripled on Thursday, May 28, 2026, marking a record high since Google’s announcement. The company emphasized that this growth is not sporadic; visits are averaging approximately 84% above baseline levels, indicating a sustained migration.

In addition to the new extensions, DuckDuckGo plans to update its original DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera. These updates will include controls for managing AI search settings. Despite its promotion of AI-free options, DuckDuckGo clarifies that it is not inherently anti-AI. The company continues to offer its own AI chatbot, which utilizes various popular models, and provides a subscription service granting access to cutting-edge models alongside other tools such as a VPN, identity theft restoration, and personal information removal services.

Source: TechCrunch Generated at: 2026-06-01 14:49:10 UTC