DuckDuckGo, the privacy-focused search engine, has introduced a new subscription service called DuckDuckGo Privacy Pro. This service includes a VPN, Personal Information Removal, and Identity Theft Restoration tools. The subscription costs $10 per month or $100 annually and is available in the US for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows users. DuckDuckGo plans to expand this service to other regions in the future. The VPN offers full-device protection on up to five devices at once, with a no-logging policy. The Personal Information Removal feature works to remove personal data from data brokers and person-finder sites, while the Identity Theft Restoration tool provides assistance in case of identity theft.
DuckDuckGo’s VPN uses the open-source WireGuard protocol to encrypt traffic and route it through VPN servers in the US, Canada, and Europe. A third-party audit is currently in progress to verify the no-logging policy of the VPN. The Personal Information Removal tool scans various sites for personal information and requests its removal on behalf of the user. It continues to rescan data brokers or person-finder sites even after the initial removal. The Identity Theft Restoration service, provided in partnership with Iris Powered by Generali, offers assistance in case of identity theft, including covering out-of-pocket costs and helping cancel and replace sensitive documents.
The introduction of Privacy Pro marks DuckDuckGo’s first time charging for a product, aiming to make multi-faceted, best-in-class protection more accessible to users. While DuckDuckGo has been profitable based on nonprofiling search ads alone, the company has decided to charge for additional features like Privacy Pro. This paid plan allows DuckDuckGo to offer more privacy options while continuing to provide its other services, such as email protection, for free. By offering a paid service, DuckDuckGo can strengthen its privacy-focused reputation and generate additional revenue to invest in more privacy features.
Privacy Pro offers users additional layers of protection and peace of mind, with the assurance that their data is secure and not accessible to malicious actors. The $10 per month subscription fee provides access to VPN, Personal Information Removal, and Identity Theft Restoration tools, expanding DuckDuckGo’s privacy offerings. The company’s decision to charge for these features reflects the need for more resources to provide advanced privacy protections. With Privacy Pro, DuckDuckGo aims to cater to users who prioritize privacy and are willing to invest in ensuring the security of their personal information.
In conclusion, DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Pro subscription service provides users with a comprehensive set of privacy protection tools, including a VPN, Personal Information Removal, and Identity Theft Restoration features. Despite being the first paid offering from DuckDuckGo, Privacy Pro aims to make advanced privacy protections more accessible to users. By charging for these features, DuckDuckGo can continue to invest in privacy-focused services and maintain its commitment to user privacy. With Privacy Pro, users can enhance their online privacy and protect their personal information from potential threats.
