DuckDuckGo Adds Option to Hide AI-Generated Images in Search Results
DuckDuckGo Introduces AI Image Filtering for Search Results
DuckDuckGo, the privacy-focused search engine, has unveiled a new feature allowing users to filter out AI-generated images from their search results. This update addresses user concerns about the increasing presence of AI-created visuals, which can sometimes make it harder to find authentic, real-world images.
How to Use the New AI Image Filter
Accessing the filter is straightforward:
- Start by performing an image search on DuckDuckGo.
- Navigate to the Images tab.
- Look for the new dropdown menu labeled "AI images."
- Select either "show" or "hide" depending on your preference for viewing AI-generated content.
- Alternatively, you can activate the filter in your search settings by enabling the "Hide AI-Generated Images" option.
Why This Feature Matters
The internet is seeing a surge of so-called AI “slop”—low-quality or misleading content produced by generative AI tools. Many users have found these images intrusive or irrelevant, especially when searching for authentic photos. DuckDuckGo's new filter is designed to help users regain control over the types of images they see.
How the Filter Works
The technology behind the filter uses manually curated, open-source blocklists, such as the ‘nuclear’ list from uBlockOrigin and the uBlacklist Huge AI Blocklist. While the company acknowledges the filter may not catch every AI-generated image, it significantly reduces their number within search results.
Looking Ahead
DuckDuckGo has indicated plans to roll out additional filters and improvements in the future, aiming to give users even more granular control over their search experience.
Industry Context
The move follows broader industry debates about the impact of AI-generated content. For example, Google recently faced criticism for displaying more AI-generated images of baby peacocks than real ones in its search results—a scenario DuckDuckGo referenced when demonstrating its new tool.
