DuckDuckGo announced it has added a feature to block most video ads, including YouTube ads, by default in its browser, challenging Google's policy and targeting one of its key advertising revenue sources.

The company said the feature is automatically enabled in the latest version of the browser on computers and iPhones, with no need to install extensions or change settings. Android users will receive the update soon, but can manually enable the feature for now.

DuckDuckGo confirmed that its ad blocking system relies on open-source lists from the uBlock Origin ad blocker, while its browser itself is based on the open-source Chromium project.

New Strategy to Compete with Google

This step marks a shift in DuckDuckGo's strategy, which was known for offering a privacy-focused search engine that limits user tracking. Now it also seeks to attract users dissatisfied with the growing AI features in Google's services, especially its search engine, which increasingly relies on Gemini-generated AI content.

While DuckDuckGo does not take a fully opposing stance on AI, it promotes its services as offering a search experience less reliant on AI-generated content, while maintaining AI tools that are more privacy-conscious compared to many competitors.

Direct Target at YouTube Revenue

DuckDuckGo's browser already offers a range of privacy tools and ad blocking, but enabling YouTube ad blocking by default and officially promoting this feature represents a clear escalation in competition with Google.

The company sees its browser as no longer just an alternative to Google Search or Chrome, but a way to give users a browsing experience that reduces reliance on Google's ecosystem, especially as some users grow frustrated with the integration of AI technologies into various digital services.

DuckDuckGo revealed it recorded its highest daily search volume ever last month, shortly after Google announced expanding AI features in its search engine.

This move could open the door to a new confrontation with Google, which is known for its strict stance on ad blockers on YouTube, as the platform's terms of service state that using such tools violates its policies.

Google has previously made frequent updates to YouTube to limit the effectiveness of ad blockers, and has tested measures that slow down the site or disable some functions when their use is detected.

While other browsers offer built-in ad blocking tools, DuckDuckGo's direct and public statement of support for blocking YouTube ads may prompt Google to take new measures to counter this feature.

Tags

DuckDuckGo YouTube

Link copied

July 8, 2026 Last updated: July 8, 2026

2 minutes

Follow us