In recent years, there has been a push from governments and individuals for Big Tech companies to change their practices and prioritize user privacy. In response, Apple launched App Tracking Transparency with iOS 14.5 and Google introduced restrictions on cross-app activity tracking. However, targeted ads still dominate the market, and third-party apps like DuckDuckGo are finding ways to level the playing field and protect user privacy.
DuckDuckGo Launches Google Sign-in Pop-Up Protection
On Thursday, DuckDuckGo, the privacy-focused search engine, launched a new feature in its app and browser extension called Google Sign-in Pop-Up Protection. This feature aims to stop Google sign-in pop-ups from appearing on non-Google sites. According to DuckDuckGo, even if you sign into sites not owned by Google, they can still track your behavior and collect your data on those sites. This is also a way for Google to collect data on users who have disabled third-party cookies. To access the new mode, users will need to update their app and browser extension.
“These pop-ups are invasive, annoying, and they undermine user privacy,” said Peter Dolanjski, director of product for DuckDuckGo. “Google is employing a dark pattern by pushing you to sign in when you might not have otherwise.”
Why You Should Consider Using DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo has positioned itself as an alternative to search engines like Google, which has historically made money by targeting ads based on a user’s data and browsing history. While Google announced in 2021 that it would stop this practice, the search engine still collects user data, such as search and location history, even when in incognito mode.
By offering Google Sign-in Pop-Up Protection, DuckDuckGo is further emphasizing its commitment to protecting user privacy. If you’re concerned about your online privacy, using a search engine like DuckDuckGo can be a simple and effective way to keep your data safe while you browse the web.
The post DuckDuckGo now auto-blocks Google Sign-in Pop-Ups on all sites appeared first on Android Headlines.