DuckDuckGo is known as a privacy focused search engine and a mobile and desktop browser, but with a DuckDuckGo subscription, a VPN is also included. The company has always promised complete privacy under its VPN, but now it has the data to back it up. DuckDuckGo says its VPN underwent a no log policy audit from an independent cybersecurity firm. Between October 2025 and January 2026, the firm performed a deep dive technical inspection, a source code review of proprietary components, and a live system analysis to verify that DuckDuckGo does not collect or retain user identifiable data. The results showed that DuckDuckGo does not track VPN browsing activity, and that the company’s no log policy is applied as promised.
What Is A VPN And Why Does Privacy Matter
A VPN, or virtual private network, hides your information while browsing and using the internet, and makes your data more secure. It also allows you to change your location as it appears to the sites and services you use, a feature often used to access content libraries around the world. Reputable VPN companies engage independent analysts to verify their privacy claims as a matter of good practice. Without independent audits, users have to trust the company’s word that their data is not being logged or sold.
What The DuckDuckGo VPN Audit Covered
The audit was conducted by an independent cybersecurity firm between October 2025 and January 2026. The scope of the audit included a deep dive technical inspection, a source code review of proprietary components, and a live system analysis. The goal was to verify that DuckDuckGo does not collect or retain user identifiable data. The results confirmed that DuckDuckGo does not track VPN browsing activity. The full security report was also shared publicly, allowing anyone to review the findings. This is not the first time the company’s VPN has been audited. The service previously went through a security audit in 2024, with retests in 2025 that confirmed the service had fixed all vulnerabilities of medium risk or higher.
What The New Audit Focused On
The previous audits focused on security vulnerabilities. This new audit focused specifically on the privacy practices of DuckDuckGo’s VPN. The difference is important. A security audit checks for bugs and weaknesses that could be exploited by hackers. A privacy audit, or no log audit, verifies that the company is actually keeping its promise not to collect or store your personal data. This makes the VPN more appealing to those who truly value their online privacy.
The DuckDuckGo Subscription Bundle
The DuckDuckGo subscription offers a competitively priced cybersecurity bundle that includes a VPN, identity theft protection, data removal service, and more. The VPN is one component of a larger privacy ecosystem. For users already using DuckDuckGo as their search engine and browser, adding the VPN creates a more complete privacy solution.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Independent third party audit confirms no log policy
- Audit included source code review and live system analysis
- VPN does not track browsing activity
- Full security report is publicly available
- Previous audits confirmed security vulnerabilities were fixed
- VPN is part of a broader privacy bundle including identity theft protection
- DuckDuckGo has a strong reputation for privacy focused products
Cons
- VPN requires a subscription, unlike the free search engine and browser
- No log audit only covers privacy, not connection speed or server coverage
- Some users may prefer a VPN with more server locations
- Audit was conducted by a firm, not a government or regulatory body
- VPN market has many competitors with similar privacy claims
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What did the DuckDuckGo VPN audit confirm?
The audit confirmed that DuckDuckGo does not track VPN browsing activity and that its no log policy is applied as promised. The company does not collect or retain user identifiable data.
2. Who conducted the DuckDuckGo VPN audit?
An independent cybersecurity firm conducted the audit between October 2025 and January 2026.
3. What was included in the audit?
The audit included a deep dive technical inspection, a source code review of proprietary components, and a live system analysis.
4. Is this the first time DuckDuckGo VPN has been audited?
No. The VPN previously went through a security audit in 2024, with retests in 2025 that confirmed all medium risk or higher vulnerabilities were fixed.
5. What is the difference between this audit and previous ones?
Previous audits focused on security vulnerabilities. This audit focused specifically on privacy practices, verifying the no log policy.
6. Does DuckDuckGo VPN require a subscription?
Yes, the VPN is part of a paid subscription bundle that also includes identity theft protection and data removal services.
7. Is the full audit report available to the public?
Yes, the full security report was shared publicly.
