Does DuckDuckGo save searches to its servers and how do I request data deletion?
Executive summary
DuckDuckGo’s published stance is that it does not track or retain user-identifiable search histories and uses “no-logs” approaches across search, browser, and related products [1] [2]. For targeted removals of personal information shown in search results, DuckDuckGo offers tools and guidance — including a paid “Personal Information Removal” (Privacy Pro) feature that runs opt-outs from the user’s device and deletes any transient confirmation emails within a short window [3] [4].
1. What DuckDuckGo says about saving searches: their public no‑logs claim
DuckDuckGo’s privacy policy and many reviews emphasize a no-logs, no-tracking model: they state they “do not retain any information on its search engine, website or browser” and that they use anonymous techniques rather than tying searches to user identities [2] [1]. Third‑party reviews and 2025 coverage reiterate the company’s claim that it monetizes via contextual ads, not by building user profiles from search logs [5] [6].
2. How DuckDuckGo handles short‑term data used to operate services
Available reporting notes DuckDuckGo may use information “temporarily” to provide services but asserts it does not store user-identifiable data long‑term; reviewers describe requests as treated statelessly to avoid accidental retention [2] [1]. The firm has updated its privacy policy to describe improvements (including anonymous index improvements) in late 2025, indicating ongoing adjustments to how they process data for product features [7].
3. When DuckDuckGo may display personal data and why deletion can be necessary
DuckDuckGo’s search results often index content from other sites and data brokers; therefore personal information can appear in results even if DuckDuckGo itself claims not to keep logs [8] [9]. The company and observers advise removing the information at the source (the site or data broker) as the primary way to stop it showing up in search results [9] [8].
4. How to request data removal from DuckDuckGo search results
For “traditional” search links (many of which come from Bing), DuckDuckGo directs users to submit removal requests first to the original provider (e.g., Bing) and then, if problems persist, to email privacy@duckduckgo.com so DuckDuckGo can investigate whether the result is from another source [8]. For content originating on other sites, DuckDuckGo’s guidance and external how‑tos recommend taking action at the source and then asking search engines to re‑crawl or delist [9].
5. DuckDuckGo’s Personal Information Removal (Privacy Pro) — what it does and how it claims to protect your data
DuckDuckGo’s subscription Privacy Pro includes a Personal Information Removal feature that scans dozens of data broker sites, submits opt‑out requests, and periodically rechecks listings (usually every ~10 days) [10] [11]. Crucially, DuckDuckGo says the Personal Information Removal process runs from the user’s device so the personal info you provide is stored locally and “never shared with DuckDuckGo”; only automated confirmation emails from data brokers might be handled server‑side and are deleted within 72 hours [3] [4].
6. Limits and realistic expectations of removal services
DuckDuckGo’s removal tool focuses on major data brokers and people‑search sites; it cannot remove records from public records, many governmental databases, news articles, or sites that refuse to comply with opt-outs [11]. Media coverage and DuckDuckGo’s own help pages warn that some brokers may not comply or may re‑publish data, so removals can take days to weeks and require ongoing monitoring [12] [11].
7. Competing perspectives, audits, and country jurisdiction context
Independent reviewers praise DuckDuckGo’s clear policy language and no‑logs stance but note potential limitations: being headquartered in the U.S. has prompted caution among some observers, and several reviewers point out DuckDuckGo has not widely published formal external audits validating every claim [13] [2]. Pro‑privacy coverage highlights that the architecture and device‑side removal approach reduce central retention risk [3] [4].
8. Practical steps you can take right now
If your concern is local browser history, use DuckDuckGo’s built‑in “clear data” or auto‑clear features in the app [14]. If personal data appears in search results, remove it at the source first and follow Bing or site opt‑out procedures, then contact privacy@duckduckgo.com if it remains in DuckDuckGo results [8] [9]. For widespread broker listings, consider DuckDuckGo’s Personal Information Removal subscription, noting it runs from your device and periodically rechecks broker sites [3] [10].
Limitations: reporting and DuckDuckGo’s docs consistently present the company’s claims; independent comprehensive audits are not detailed in the provided sources, and available sources do not mention any concrete example where DuckDuckGo admitted retaining user search logs against its policy.