DuckDuckGo Android App

[nourkagha]

I think we should seriously consider listing this, mainly for its new App Tracking Protection and Email Protection.

App Tracking Protection: The majority of people run stock Android and this blocks all trackers included in apps, similar to Apple's native feature on iOS. I'm equally surprised and impressed at how well this works, although as it's still in beta it doesn't cover some apps yet.

Email Protection: This feature is now in open beta and provides you with a free Duck address (name@duck.com) which strips hidden trackers from emails and forwards them to your email address of choice. It's a fun address to give out instead of your personal email and a lot easier (unless you have your own custom domain). You can also generate random aliases on the fly, similar to services like SimpleLogin & AnonAddy.

Apart from those two marquee features, the fact that the app also obviously packs in a decent browser and DDG search shouldn't be easily dismissed and is a huge upgrade over Chrome and Google search which is what most are using.

For the average user (i.e. your parents, children etc), which includes the majority of people, this makes privacy extremely accessible and is a basic and excellent all-in-one starter kit for privacy protection. There is nothing simpler than telling someone to download an app and use it, rather than having them set up a bunch of different apps and services with advanced setups and configurations. The main result is an instant and significant privacy improvement.

DDG's tagline is privacy simplified and their mission is spreading privacy, and they definitely live up to it as accessibility is key. I particularly like how they tend to innovate with new features as well. They're also planning to release Mac (currently in private beta) and Windows browsers soon and it'll be interesting to see what they include.

To sum up, while there are some better tools available especially for advanced users, this app does its job really well, offers some features not found elsewhere and is generally aimed at beginners (or low threat models) as a starting point and gateway into more advanced privacy protection if needed. As long as they result in a considerable net positive increase in privacy, picking highly accessible, convenient and easy-to-use tools is just as important as picking the best tools available.

[ph00lt0]

Their browser isn't something we should recommend. It lacks behind compared to our recommendations on security and privacy preserving options.

The email aliasing I would suggest to recommend separately. This sounds quite alright comparing it to simplelogin and anondaddy. I think for users who use Proton (which I assume is a fair amount of people here) simplelogin makes most sense as it's owned by proton as well. They are also working on a feature to strip trackers. (simple-login/app#542)

The tracker blocking uses your VPN profile. This makes it impossible for you to run a VPN which would be recommended instead. VPN providers Mullvad and Proton VPN also come with options for blocking of trackers which can be enabled by the user. In that case not only trackers are prevented but also your IP address is masked.

[nourkagha]

Good points and I agree that things like the browser isn't something worth recommending in itself.

The goal behind considering it would be mostly for accessibility purposes since it comes as one convenient and easy-to-use 3-in-1 package for non-tech savvy users without any guidance needed. Kind of like how the Apple ecosystem makes it all integrated and easy.

The alternative, although more optimal and requires a subscription to use properly, would be to set up something like SimpleLogin (usually with Proton) and a VPN while using something like Brave as a browser.

It's worth also noting that Bitwarden are also adding Duck Address alias integration soon in the next release. I'm looking forward to SimpleLogin adding email tracker protection – sounds very good.

[ph00lt0]

Actually simplelogin has a free tier, just as Proton VPN has. It's not ideal but it can work well for limited use.

[ph00lt0]

Nice to know they will add those addresses in addition to simplelogin, ff relay, and anonaddy. That integration indeed is priceless.

[nourkagha]

They've also added Fastmail forwarding support today.

[rusty-snake]

FTR: privacyguides/privacyguides.org#1649