DuckDuckGo is now blocking one of Google's most annoying pop ups

DuckDuckGo blocks Sign in with Google
(Image credit: DuckDuckGo)

DuckDuckGo - a search engine and browser that has long been associated with privacy and data protection - has announced a new feature that will block one of the most common pop ups web users are likely to see: Sign in with Google.

The company cites Reddit, Zillow, and Booking.com as some sites that often present this Google pop-up, usually upon first loading the web pages. 

It says that, with its updated mobile apps or its Firefox, Chrome, Brave, and Edge extensions, users will be “spared from these disruptive and misleading pop-ups” in an effort to present a “cleaner experience and more privacy.”

DuckDuckGo blocks Sign in with Google

It’s more than just the removal of annoying pop-ups, though, according to DuckDuckGo

In a press release, the company explained that allowing Google to link your account to browsing history is yet “another way for Google to track users without them realizing”, to the point that a lawsuit against the collection of browsing history, cookies, and other site data has been created.

DuckDuckGo reckons that Google could be pitching this to web developers as a ‘win-win’, allowing them to present more relevant, targeted ads, thus generating more revenue for the websites. In turn, Google is thought to be collecting vast amounts of data.

The update is available now on DuckDuckGo for Android, iOS and Mac, and our Firefox, Chrome, Brave, and Microsoft Edge extensions.

Google is yet to respond to TechRadar Pro about how this change will affect its operations.

Craig Hale

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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