DuckDuckGo just rolled out a new filter to block AI-generated images in search results. Users can now toggle AI images on or off directly within the Images tab via a dropdown labeled “AI images.” You can also enable the filter permanently in search settings with a “Hide AI-Generated Images” option.
This move responds to user complaints that AI pictures clutter search results and make it harder to find real photos.
The filter uses manually curated open-source blocklists from projects like uBlockOrigin’s “nuclear” list and uBlacklist Huge AI Blocklist. DuckDuckGo warns it won’t catch every AI image but promises a significant reduction. 
“The filter relies on manually curated open-source blocklists, including the ‘nuclear’ list, provided by uBlockOrigin and uBlacklist Huge AI Blocklist,” DuckDuckGo said on X.
“While it won’t catch 100% of AI-generated results, it will greatly reduce the number of AI-generated images you see.”
The launch follows widespread criticism about the flood of low-quality AI-generated “slop” online. DuckDuckGo plans to add more filters but hasn’t shared specifics yet.
The demo used for the feature shows a baby peacock search, referencing Google’s 2024 backlash for showing AI images over real ones in that exact query.
DuckDuckGo is clearly doubling down on privacy and cleaner search results amid mounting AI-generated content concerns.
