DuckDuckGo appointed default search option in Vivaldi's 'Private Windows'

Vivaldi promotes DuckDuckGo search engine over Google over privacy concerns

Vivaldi, the web browser founded by ex-Opera bloke Jon von Tetzchner, will make the privacy search engine DuckDuckGo its default search engine for its 'Private Window' mode.

The announcement - which couldn't be better timed - comes as many web users belatedly try to bolt stable doors following the revelations over Facebook and Cambridge Analytica.

Founded in 2008, DuckDuckGo claims that - unlike Google - it doesn't profile users or chase them around the web, and serves the same search results to all users.

Apple has offered DuckDuckGo as a search option in Safari since 2014, while Tor has used it by default since 2016.

A lot of people think their searches aren't tracked in private browsing modes. Unfortunately, that's not true

According to Vivaldi, the move sees the Opera-founded company "continuing to put the privacy of its users as one of its highest priorities"

"We believe privacy is a fundamental right and that users should not be tracked online or offline," said Vivaldi Technologies CEO Jon von Tetzchner.

"The current climate demands a thriving internet - not an internet with increased surveillance and security breaches. There has been a widespread concern amongst users about their data being shared.

"More than ever, there is an immediate need to protect our privacy. We are proud to join hands with DuckDuckGo and provide solutions in Vivaldi that respect users' privacy."

Gabriel Weinberg, CEO and founder of DuckDuckGo, added: "A lot of people think their searches aren't tracked in private browsing modes. Unfortunately, that's not true.

"This new integration with Vivaldi enables people to get the privacy they expect and deserve in that mode."

The move, as noted by VentureBeat, also marks that first time that a browser-maker has allowed users to set different default search engines for standard and private browsing windows.

Not only is Vivaldi's announcement well-timed, given Facebook's growing private-data scandal, but it also comes as Microsoft attempts to force its homegrown Edge browser onto Windows 10 users.