DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo’s browser keeps adding features that most browser users would probably expect, but they’re in privacy-minded ways. The latest is a private, end-to-end encrypted syncing service. There’s no account needed, no sign-in, and the company says it never sees what you’re syncing.
Using QR codes and shortcodes, and a lengthy backup code you store somewhere safe, DuckDuckGo’s browser can keep your bookmarks, passwords, “favorites” (i.e., new tab page shortcuts), and settings for its email protection service synced between browsers.
DuckDuckGo points to Google’s privacy policy for using its signed-in sync service on Chrome, which uses “aggregated and anonymized synchronized browsing data to improve other Google products and services.” DuckDuckGo states that the encryption key for browser sync is stored only locally on your devices and that it lacks any access to your passwords or other data.
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Mobile devices get a QR code to scan, while desktop browsers get a numeric code.
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Recovering your DuckDuckGo data requires a code you manually stash somewhere else.
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With sync enabled, things like favorite links on a new tab page are kept in place.
DuckDuckGo
Syncing gets DuckDuckGo’s browser closer to something people with established browser habits might consider switching to for regular use. Having to set up each browser with the same items or start over with new devices is a real pain point. Most alternatives, even Firefox, require signing in with a web-based account to keep things synced. End-to-end encrypted sync fits with DuckDuckGo’s ethos while also removing a hassle.
That makes for syncing, built-in tracker ad blocking, enforced encryption, cookie pop-up management, and email protection built into DuckDuckGo, along with easy history wipes and a different default search. Extensions are the next obvious point. Extensions are coming “in the future,” the company said during a previous release. A company representative confirmed to Ars that there are no updates to extension availability.
Chrome’s dominant position in the web browser ecosystem has given rise to alternatives aimed squarely at private, non-tracking search. Mozilla has recently focused on privacy and web safety offerings and features, including fake product reviews, data leaks, and brokers. Meanwhile, Google will soon make changes that comply with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, including making it easier to switch browsers and search defaults.
Listing image by DuckDuckGo
