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Users Flee Google for AI-Free Search
5 Jun
Summary
- DuckDuckGo saw a 76% increase in US installs week-over-week.
- Ecosia's searches grew nearly 40% with installs doubling.
- A hidden Google filter '&udm=14' aids AI-free searches.
Following Google's significant AI integration announcement on May 19, a notable user migration to alternative search engines is occurring. These users express a desire for search experiences reminiscent of earlier, AI-free internet days.
Search engines like DuckDuckGo and Ecosia are experiencing a surge in activity. DuckDuckGo reported a 76% increase in US installs in the week of June 1 compared to the week of May 12, with search traffic hitting an all-time high on June 1. Ecosia's CEO noted nearly 40% growth in searches and a doubling of installs over the past two weeks.
Even a discreet Google web filter, '&udm=14', designed to disable AI Overviews, has seen increased usage. Tech writer Ernie Smith reported approximately 70,000 visitors to his webpage dedicated to this filter during the week of May 25. Users are actively seeking ways to opt-out of AI features due to environmental concerns and a preference for less integrated AI.
While Google emphasizes that traditional search remains, the integration of AI is now more prominent. Alternative engines like DuckDuckGo and Ecosia offer options to disable AI features, unlike Google's default AI Overview, which requires the workaround filter. Despite this exodus, Google maintains its search queries reached an all-time high last quarter.
