What is DuckDuckGo Proxy?

Privacy online is more important than ever in this digital age. Websites, advertisers and other third parties can seem to be tracking everything you do. Then there’s a search engine called DuckDuckGo that helps with that by introducing its new feature called the “DuckDuckGo Proxy”. But what is it and how does it work?

What is a Proxy?

A proxy is an intermediary between your device and the websites you visit. When you go online, your device will talk directly to websites and give them your IP address. That’s how they know your location and other details about you.

A proxy server is an intermediary. Your device doesn’t talk directly to the website but talks to the proxy server first. The proxy server then talks to the website on your behalf. That way the website won’t see your real IP address and you remain anonymous. Example of free web proxy server is croxyproxy.

What is DuckDuckGo Proxy?

DuckDuckGo Proxy is a privacy tool built into the DuckDuckGo search engine. When you search on DuckDuckGo and you click a link, it makes sure your connection goes through their system before you get to the website so your actual IP address isn’t shown and your browsing activity isn’t tracked.

So what’s the point of this? DuckDuckGo Proxy keeps your identity anonymous to the sites you visit. Advertisers and third parties can’t track your movements around the web and gather information about your activities. This is especially useful when you want to avoid targeted ads, tracking cookies or some other form of internet surveillance.

How Does DuckDuckGo Proxy Work?

Every time you search on DuckDuckGo you can choose to click on any of the results. Clicking on any link that supports DuckDuckGo’s proxy service means DuckDuckGo is acting as a middleman between you and the website you’re about to visit. Here’s how it works step by step:

• You search for something: You search on DuckDuckGo.
• You click on a search result: You click on a link in the results.
• It will forward your request to the proxy server, then to the website you want to visit.
• You’re anonymous. The website will see a request from DuckDuckGo’s server not from your device. So they can’t track you.
• DuckDuckGo blocks the website from tracking you. Plus your connection is encrypted through the proxy.

Why Use DuckDuckGo Proxy?

There are several reasons why you might want to use the DuckDuckGo Proxy:

• Privacy: The biggest one is privacy. The proxy hides your IP and encrypts your connection so websites can’t track what you’re browsing.
• Protection from Ads and Trackers: Many sites track users through cookies and other tools to serve personalized ads. DuckDuckGo Proxy blocks those, so you get a more secure and ad-free experience.
• No extra software required: You don’t need to install any third-party software or VPN for DuckDuckGo’s Proxy. It’s built into the search engine and works automatically when you click on supported links.
• Safe Browsing: The proxy protects you from unwanted and phishing sites. It acts as a barrier between you and website attacks that can harm you.

How Do I Use DuckDuckGo Proxy?

It is really easy to use DuckDuckGo Proxy. You do not even need an account or subscriptions. Here is how you can do it:

• Open your favourite browser.
• Enter what you’re looking for.
• Click on a result: Every time you click on a link from your search results, DuckDuckGo will automatically route your request through their proxy server so no one knows who you are.

DuckDuckGo Proxy Limitations

DuckDuckGo Proxy is good for privacy but not complete anonymity. Here are the limitations:

• Not all sites are supported: DuckDuckGo Proxy supports some search results but not all sites can be accessed through the proxy.
• Basic privacy: DuckDuckGo Proxy is designed for basic privacy. It doesn’t have any feature of a VPN or any other privacy tool.
• No tracking by DuckDuckGo: DuckDuckGo doesn’t track your search. However, they log some data to enhance their service. They don’t sell and share it with third parties.

Conclusion

DuckDuckGo Proxy is an easy and effective way to boost your online privacy. DuckDuckGo Proxy hides your IP, encrypts your connection, and blocks third-party trackers so you can enjoy a better and more private experience browsing the web. It is not a full VPN but a good choice when you want to be anonymous while browsing without installing extra software. If you’re serious about your online privacy, this is a tool to add to your arsenal.