DuckDuckGo's iOS app strips tracking from shared links
Copy links without tracking IDs—DuckDuckGo's new feature cleans URLs automatically.
Deep Dive
DuckDuckGo's iOS app now includes Copy Clean Link, a feature that automatically removes tracking parameters from copied URLs. When users share links, the app ensures only the base URL is copied, preventing exposure of tracking IDs like UTM parameters or Facebook click IDs. The feature was listed in an App Store update at the end of July, and DuckDuckGo did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Key Points
- Copy Clean Link removes UTM parameters, Facebook click IDs, and other tracking data when copying URLs in DuckDuckGo’s iOS app
- Feature was added in a late-July update but remains undocumented by DuckDuckGo
- Does not prevent tracking once the link is opened—relies on recipient’s browser privacy settings
Why It Matters
Prevents unintended exposure of tracking data when sharing links, simplifying privacy-conscious sharing for iPhone users.