DetectiveSanityNov 20, 2023

Time to ditch #duckduckgo

https://lemmy.world/post/8527834

Time to ditch #duckduckgo - Lemmy.World

In the last couple of months I have noticed an increasing trend of supplying me search results that are completely unrelated to the current query and tie back to my location or previous searches. I can say this with a high degree of certainty this is without a doubt beyond the 100th instance this has happened. My browser is configured against tracking and fingerprinting (in fact all my devices are) which would make it fairly difficult to retain any data unless they are profiling me.

Show threadLWDNov 20, 2023
It’s really bizarre that DuckDuckGo doesn’t allow you to disable location based results. You can use a VPN, but then you’ll start getting location based results on that location instead.
Show threadLiomeNov 20, 2023

It does though? Right under the search bar there should be a switch bar to turn on localized search, and a dropdown to pick different location.
Or is it itself location locked?

Show threadCheradenine
Yes like many other search providers you can set to all, or whatever, but ddg will always localize your searches.
Nov 21, 2023 at 12:35pmWeb
Show threadHonytawkNov 21, 2023

I have the opposite problem.

It is always unlocalized, and even if I set it to Belgium, it still is giving me French and German Sites.