DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo Browser is a free and open-source web browser developed by DuckDuckGo, the company behind the privacy-focused search engine of the same name. The browser was launched in 2021.

Key features and characteristics:

• Privacy focused – The browser blocks trackers and provides encryption to prevent companies from collecting user data and tracking online behavior/activities. It also comes with a built-in Fire Button that can clear browsing data with one click.
• Customizable settings – Users can choose from three privacy settings – Standard, Strict, and Very Strict. The stricter the setting, the more trackers and third-party cookies get blocked.
• Smarter encryption – It uses HTTPS upgrading to encrypt connections to websites automatically if possible. Users can also opt to enable or disable this feature.
• Email protection – Its email protection service masks the user’s real email address and generates a private Duck address when signing up for accounts/newsletters. This protects the actual email from spam.
• Firewall feature – Blocks cross-site trackers that try to record browsing behavior across multiple sites. This prevents tech giants from profiling users based on their browsing habits.
• Built-in ad blocker and tracker blocker.
• Uses the DuckDuckGo search engine by default in the address/search bar.
• Available as a mobile and desktop app on iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows.

Overall, DuckDuckGo Browser provides robust privacy protection for everyday web use while still being highly customizable for user preferences. Its privacy-by-default approach aims to raise awareness around data collection practices by tech companies.