May 26, 2022
DuckDuckGo, a privacy-focused browser, allows Microsoft trackers to access third-party websites, although it prides itself on its privacy. Microsoft trackers are allowed under an agreement in a search engine agreement between the two companies.
Security researcher Zach Edwards discovered the problem during a security audit of the DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser. Edwards noted that while the browser blocks Google and Facebook trackers, it allows Microsoft trackers to continue running.
In response to Edwards’ claims, DuckDuckGo CEO and founder Gabriel Weinberg said the company’s browser allows Microsoft trackers on third-party websites under a search syndication agreement with Redmond.
DuckDuckGo provides a privacy-centric web browser for iOS and Android in its project that promotes many privacy features, including HTTPS-always encryption, third-party cookie blocking and tracker blocking.
Many have criticized the company’s transparency following the statement from DuckDuckGo CEO. Although the company has been transparent about its advertising partnership with Microsoft, it remains unknown why the company refuses to disclose it until a security researcher has discovered it.
The sources for this piece include an article in BleepingComputer.
