People Are Flocking to DuckDuckGo as Google Leans Heavily Into AI
DuckDuckGo has reported a significant increase in browser installations, coinciding with Google's recent I/O developer conference. The surge includes a 21% rise in installations in the US and a notable 500% increase in social media mentions. DuckDuckGo emphasizes user choice regarding AI features, contrasting with Google's approach to AI integration in search.
- ▪DuckDuckGo saw a 21% increase in browser installations in the US from May 20 to May 26 compared to the previous week.
- ▪There was a 500% increase in mentions of DuckDuckGo across social media platforms following Google's I/O conference.
- ▪DuckDuckGo allows users to control their AI experience, offering options for AI-assisted searches or a completely AI-free search.
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| Original publisher | CNET |
| Canonical URL | https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/duckduckgo-installs-increase-after-google-io/ |
| Publication time | Wed, 27 May 2026 22:03:24 +0000 |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-27T22:23:05.954Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-27T22:23:05.954Z |
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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
These ducks are looking mighty. Search engine and web browser developer DuckDuckGo said this week that it's getting a surge of new customers, and the increase just happens to coincide with Google's I/O developer conference.DuckDuckGo told CNET that, in the US, it saw 21% more installations of its browser from May 20 through May 26 -- including a spike of 37% on Tuesday -- as compared with May 13 through May 19. Browser installs on iOS rose 33%, including 69% on Memorial Day.Why the jump? Google held its I/O conference from May 19 to May 20 and announced a bunch of AI initiatives. One of those initiatives was an expanded AI-driven search interface that can deliver expanded answers to longer queries.
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