This Google alternative has a ‘No AI’ function. Search visits are soaring by double digits

On Tuesday, May 19, Google used its I/O developer conference to announce a new “intelligent AI-powered Search box” that includes information agents and space for follow-up questions. Google claims the new Gemini 3.5 Flash-powered AI Mode is “the biggest upgrade to our Search box in over 25 years.” But, for reasons from privacy to hallucinations, some users have had enough and are opting for another search engine. One week after Google’s news, DuckDuckGo announced that its U.S. installs...