DuckDuckGo Introduces AI Image Filtering for Safer, More Transparent Search
DuckDuckGo, the search engine that prioritizes privacy, has introduced a new feature that allows users to filter out AI-generated images from their search results. This change comes as AI-generated content fills the internet, making it more difficult for users to tell the difference between real and artificial images.
As tools like DALL·E, Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion become widely available, more synthetic images are being shared online. These images can be used for creativity and marketing, but they also present risks such as misinformation, deepfakes, and image fraud.
DuckDuckGo’s new filter gives users the ability to:
Exclude AI-generated visuals when looking for real content
Identify computer-generated images easily
Improve transparency of content
How It Works
DuckDuckGo has added an “AI-generated” tag and an option to toggle “Exclude AI Images” in its Image Search settings. This feature checks metadata, image patterns, and source tags to see if an image is created by AI.
New setting: hide AI-generated images in DuckDuckGo
— DuckDuckGo (@DuckDuckGo) July 14, 2025
Our philosophy about AI features is “private, useful, and optional.” Our goal is to help you find what you’re looking for. You should decide for yourself how much AI you want in your life – or if you want any at all. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/pTolmsEQlQ
Privacy Still Comes First
Staying true to its values, DuckDuckGo does not store any personal information when using this filter. The image detection relies on open-source classifiers and is verified by third-party databases of known AI-generated images.
Wider Impact in the Search Landscape
This development sets a new standard among search engines. While Google and Bing have begun to label AI images, DuckDuckGo is the first to let users completely filter them out. This supports the platform’s goal of providing users with more control and transparency.
What’s Next?
As AI-generated images become more realistic, DuckDuckGo will likely continue to improve this tool and work with AI safety organizations. The search engine may also add this feature to video and document searches in the future.
