DuckDuckGo Launches No-AI Browser Extensions as Traffic Surges

DuckDuckGo has released browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that set its AI-free search engine, noai.duckduckgo.com, as the default, capitalizing on growing anti-AI sentiment. The extensions ensure users see no AI-assisted answers, chat prompts, or AI images in results. DuckDuckGo browser users already retain AI settings even after clearing history. Traffic to the no-AI page surged after Google's May 2026 announcement of an AI-first search overhaul, with week-over-week visits up nearly 30% and U.S. app installs up 18.1% (iOS installs peaked at 69.9%). On May 28, 2026, traffic hit a new high, three times the baseline, and remains elevated at 84% above baseline. DuckDuckGo plans to update its Privacy Essentials extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Opera with AI search controls. The company also offers its own AI chatbot and subscription services including VPN and identity theft protection.