knoppix

Google’s Search overhaul replaces blue links with AI agents and expands AI Overviews, triggering backlash as DuckDuckGo installs rise up to 30% 📈
Privacy-focused DuckDuckGo sees increased demand as users seek AI opt-out search and stronger data control via private AI tools 🔒

@duckduckgo

🔗 https://techcrunch.com/2026/05/26/duckduckgo-installs-are-up-30-as-users-reject-being-force-fed-googles-ai-search/

#TechNews #DDG #DuckDuckGo #Google #GoogleSearch #AIOverviews #AISearch #Privacy #SearchEngine #Search #SEO #AI #OpenWeb #BigTech #DataPrivacy #UserChoice #Antitrust #FOSS #Search

DuckDuckGo installs are up 30% as users reject being ‘force-fed’ Google’s AI Search | TechCrunch

Google overhauled Search at I/O 2026, replacing blue links with AI agents. The backlash has been swift. DuckDuckGo app installs spiked 30% as users seek a way out.

TechCrunch
May 29 at 6:52amWeb
Show threadSjoerd Stendahl2d ago

@knoppix95 Kagi publishes stats online, the effects of the Google IO are extremely clear, see attached immage. https://kagi.com/stats

Note that I'm not saying using Kagi is much of a moral win over big tech, they still buy their indices from the usual players. But as a search engine it's a breath of fresh air with good results.

I love the idea of SearXNG by the way, but frankly it's borderline unusable with regard to results.

Show threadknoppix2d ago
@sstendahl I’d love it but prices aren’t helping, I think it’s too much for a search engine tbh. With a fair price I’d pay and use it forever.
Show threadSjoerd Stendahl2d ago

@knoppix95 Yeah that's fair. It's also a sad state of affairs when decent search is gate-kept for people with disposable income whilst common folk are left with slop.

I've also seen lots of concerns about whom these indices are bought from. Which are the large search providers. Including Google and Yandex, the latter being Russian. Meaning some of your money goes to unethical actors that do direct harm on the world.

Haven't looked too deep into DDG's ethical side though tbh.

Show threadknoppix2d ago
@sstendahl It’s not about disposable income, because I’m willing to pay for services I like that respect privacy or I’m open for donations to awesome FOSS project. But, that’s not a fair price imo.
Show threadTravis Scott1d ago
@knoppix95 @duckduckgo does nothing if ISPs continue to spy and censor and data mine the daylights out of everyone