DuckDuckGo installs are up 30% as users reject being force-fed Google’s AI Search

DuckDuckGo installs are up 30% as users reject being ‘force-fed’ Google’s AI Search

Google replaced Search’s blue links with AI agents at I/O 2026, and DuckDuckGo app installs rose 30% as users looked for an alternative search entry point.

Why it matters: HKR-H/K/R all pass: the 30% install jump is a concrete backlash signal tied to Google AI Search. Missing measurement window and method keep it at the lower featured threshold.