DuckDuckGos reputation for protectingprivacyhas taken a hit after revelations emerged of a tracking deal withMicrosoft.
Security researcher Zack Edwards this week revealed that DuckDuckGos mobilebrowsersallow some Microsoft sites to bypass its block on trackers.
While the internet tool blocks Facebook and Google trackers, DuckDuckGo makes an exception for some of Microsofts.

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(@thezedwards)May 23, 2022
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Gabriel Weinberg, the CEO and founder of DuckDuckGo, provided detailed responses to the uproar onTwitterandReddit.
Unfortunately our Microsoft search syndication agreement prevents us from doing more to Microsoft-owned properties.
However, we have been continually pushing and expect to be doing more soon.
For non-search tracker blocking (eg in our online window), we block most third-party trackers.
Unfortunately our Microsoft search syndication agreement prevents us from doing more to Microsoft-owned properties.
However, we have been continually pushing and expect to be doing more soon.
The swift response has allayed some users concerns, but others remain alarmed about the deal.
DuckDuckGo still offers more privacy protection than most popular browsers, but not as some users had hoped.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).