DuckDuckGo Adds Option to Hide AI-Generated Images in Search Results

DuckDuckGo, the search engine known for its strong stance on privacy, has rolled out a new feature that lets users filter out AI-generated images from search results. It’s a thoughtful addition at a time when synthetic media is everywhere, especially in image searches, where spotting what’s real and what’s not is getting trickier by the day.

The option appears in DuckDuckGo’s image search under a new “AI images” dropdown. From there, users can choose whether to see AI-generated images or hide them. If you prefer a cleaner, more consistent experience, the setting can even be saved in your preferences. There’s also a special URL available that applies the filter by default and disables other AI features across the platform.

To identify AI-generated images, DuckDuckGo relies on curated blocklists of known sources, many of which are used by popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin. It’s a smart, privacy-respecting approach, even if it’s not foolproof. After all, not every AI image is clearly labeled or easily traceable. But it's a solid step toward helping users find more authentic content.
 

What makes this update stand out is how it reflects DuckDuckGo’s philosophy: AI tools should be private, useful, and optional. That last part feels especially important. While other search engines push AI deeper into every layer of the experience, DuckDuckGo is giving users more control, not less.

In an internet increasingly crowded with synthetic content, being able to simply toggle it off—even if it’s not perfect—is a welcome move. It won’t block out everything, but for anyone looking to see more of the real web and less algorithm-generated filler, it’s a step in the right direction.