# DuckDuckGo’s AI Capabilities: A New Chapter in Private Searching
In 2023, DuckDuckGo, the search engine emphasizing user privacy, made a substantial leap by incorporating AI functionalities into its service. With the latest update announcing that these features have transitioned out of beta, users can now enjoy improved search experiences while safeguarding their privacy. This article delves into the new AI functionalities, including DuckDuckGo’s Assist and Duck.ai, and how they address users’ demands for privacy and personalization.
## AI Search Outcomes from DuckDuckGo
A prominent enhancement in DuckDuckGo’s search capabilities is the launch of **Assist**, an AI-powered tool aimed at delivering users more thorough responses to their inquiries. Comparable to Google’s AI Overview, Assist provides a brief summary of information situated above the search results, thus enriching the overall search experience.
Originally restricted to information sourced from Wikipedia, DuckDuckGo has broadened Assist’s reach to gather data from a wider range of online resources. This update enables more varied and precise replies to user inquiries. Notable improvements to Assist include:
– **Broadened Sources**: DuckDuckGo now compiles data from numerous websites beyond just Wikipedia.
– **Worldwide Access**: This feature now accommodates English-language queries from individuals outside the U.S.
– **Options for Customization**: Users can select how often they wish to receive AI-assisted responses—choices include often, sometimes (the default setting), on demand, or never.
To tailor your AI experience, you can visit the AI Features section within your [DuckDuckGo search settings](https://duckduckgo.com/settings?ref=spreadprivacy.com#aifeatures). If you wish to frequently see AI-assisted responses, you can set Assist to “Often,” while those looking to completely avoid AI features can disable them.
## Duck.ai: Free and Private Chatbot Access
Alongside the search improvements, DuckDuckGo has introduced **Duck.ai**, a platform that offers users free, private access to various AI chatbots. This service allows users to engage with AI models anonymously, eliminating the need for account creation. Importantly, Duck.ai ensures that user chats are not utilized for AI training, preserving a strong level of privacy.
Duck.ai showcases several well-known AI models, including:
– **GPT-4o mini and o3-mini** from OpenAI
– **Meta Llama 3.3** and **Mistral Small 3** (open-source models)
– **Claude 3 Haiku** from Anthropic
Users can access Duck.ai directly via [Duck.ai](https://www.duck.ai/?ref=spreadprivacy.com) or through chat icons embedded within the DuckDuckGo search engine. The platform also accommodates specific search commands, like `!ai` or `!chat`, to smoothly initiate chatbot interactions.
## Privacy at the Forefront
DuckDuckGo’s dedication to user privacy is clear in its strategy regarding AI-assisted functionalities. By utilizing a technique called **proxying**, the search engine guarantees that personal information stays confidential. When formulating AI-assisted answers, DuckDuckGo anonymizes user requests through its own IP address, effectively concealing users’ identities from third parties.
Moreover, if users opt to save their recent chats, these are kept locally on their devices rather than on DuckDuckGo’s servers. This method strengthens the company’s commitment to safeguarding user privacy while offering advanced AI features.
## Conclusion
DuckDuckGo’s recent enhancements to its AI features signify a crucial moment in the progression of privacy-centered search engines. With the advent of Assist and Duck.ai, users can now benefit from improved search functionalities and access to AI chatbots without jeopardizing their privacy. As DuckDuckGo continues to innovate, it remains a preferred option for users in search of a secure and effective browsing experience.
