DuckDuckGo Takes a Stand Against AI Slop: New Feature Lets You Hide AI-Generated Images in Search Results
In the rapidly changing world of the internet, a new challenge has surfaced: the flood of AI-generated images, often dubbed "AI slop." These images, created by artificial intelligence tools like Midjourney and DALL·E, are increasingly dominating search results, making it harder for users to find authentic, human-created visuals. This issue is particularly frustrating for artists, photographers, and creators who rely on real images for inspiration, reference, or professional work.
DuckDuckGo, the privacy-focused search engine, has stepped up to tackle this problem head-on. On July 14, 2025, the company announced a groundbreaking feature that allows users to filter out AI-generated images from their search results. This move not only enhances the user experience but also reinforces DuckDuckGo’s commitment to prioritizing quality, authenticity, and user control in the digital age.
The Growing Problem of AI Slop
The rise of AI-generated content has transformed the online landscape, but not always for the better. According to a study by Originality.ai, as of June 5, 2025, AI-generated content accounts for approximately 16.51% of Google search results, a significant jump from just 2.3% before the release of GPT-2. The study also noted a peak of 19.10% in January 2025, underscoring the rapid growth of AI content online.
| Date | AI Content Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June 5, 2025 | 16.51% | Slight drop from May 2025 |
| January 21, 2025 | 19.10% | All-time high |
| Pre-GPT-2 | 2.3% | Before GPT-2 release |
This surge has led to widespread frustration, particularly among artists. A Reddit post highlighted the difficulty of searching for "baby peacock" on Google Images, where nearly all results were AI-generated, prompting comments like, “the human internet is dying.” Such experiences have fueled a demand for tools that can restore authenticity to search results.
“The human internet is dying.”
Reddit user, commenting on AI-dominated Google Image search results for "baby peacock" (The Cooldown)
DuckDuckGo’s Innovative Solution
DuckDuckGo’s new feature, launched in response to user feedback, offers a practical solution to the AI slop problem. When performing an image search on DuckDuckGo, users can now access a dropdown menu in the Images tab labeled “AI images.” This menu allows them to choose whether to “show” or “hide” AI-generated content. For those who want a more permanent fix, the feature can be enabled in the search settings by selecting “Hide AI-Generated Images.”
For users seeking a completely AI-free experience, DuckDuckGo has introduced a dedicated URL, noai.duckduckgo.com, where the AI image filter is automatically enabled, and other AI-related features, such as AI-assisted summaries and Duck.ai chat icons, are disabled. This streamlined approach makes it easier for users to tailor their search experience to their preferences.
How the Filter Works
The AI image filter relies on manually curated open-source blocklists, such as the “nuclear” list from uBlockOrigin and the uBlacklist Huge AI Blocklist. These lists identify domains known for hosting AI-generated content, enabling DuckDuckGo to filter out such images from search results. While the company acknowledges that the filter may not catch every AI-generated image, it significantly reduces their presence, offering a cleaner and more relevant search experience.
“The filter relies on manually curated open-source blocklists, including the ‘nuclear’ list, provided by uBlockOrigin and uBlacklist Huge AI Blocklist. While it won’t catch 100% of AI-generated results, it will greatly reduce the number of AI-generated images you see.”
DuckDuckGo, in a post on X (DuckDuckGo on X)
This approach leverages community-driven resources to tackle a complex issue, demonstrating DuckDuckGo’s innovative use of existing tools to enhance search quality.
User Reactions and Demand
The announcement of the AI image filter was met with widespread enthusiasm. On X, where DuckDuckGo shared the news, users praised the feature for addressing a pressing need. One user wrote, “This is why you are the only browser I have used the past five years,” while another commented, “Awesome! Let’s hope social media follows suit.” These reactions highlight the growing demand for tools that help users navigate the cluttered digital landscape.
Artists, in particular, have expressed relief at the ability to filter out AI-generated images, which often lack the authenticity and detail needed for creative work. The feature’s introduction also aligns with broader user concerns about the erosion of trust in online media, as AI-generated images can sometimes be misleading or manipulated.
The Broader Context of AI in Search
The proliferation of AI-generated images is part of a larger trend affecting the internet. Tools like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and DALL·E have made it easier than ever to create realistic visuals, but their widespread use has led to an influx of low-quality or irrelevant content in search results. A report from AIFire.co noted that artists are “wading through a sea of AI-generated fluff,” comparing the experience to “going to a grocery store for fresh fruit and finding everything is plastic.”
Beyond search quality, AI-generated content raises ethical concerns. A 2023 study cited by Aesthetics of Photography revealed that AI-generated images, such as viral deepfakes of public figures, can erode trust in media. Additionally, the environmental impact of AI infrastructure, including high water and energy consumption, adds another layer of complexity to the issue.
How DuckDuckGo Stands Out
Unlike major search engines like Google, which have yet to offer a similar feature, DuckDuckGo’s AI image filter provides a user-friendly and integrated solution. Google users often resort to workarounds, such as adding “-AI” or “-openai” to their search queries, to exclude AI-generated content. These methods are less intuitive and not always effective, highlighting DuckDuckGo’s edge in prioritizing user control.
DuckDuckGo’s philosophy of making AI features “private, useful, and optional” sets it apart in an industry increasingly dominated by AI-driven solutions. By offering users the choice to opt out of AI content, DuckDuckGo is paving the way for a more transparent and user-centric search experience.
Looking Ahead
DuckDuckGo’s AI image filter is a significant step in the fight against AI slop, but it’s not a complete solution. The company has indicated plans to introduce additional filters in the future, which could further refine the search experience. As AI technology continues to evolve, the line between human and machine-generated content will become increasingly blurred, making tools like this essential for maintaining the internet’s integrity.
For users frustrated by the dominance of AI-generated images, DuckDuckGo’s new feature offers a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder that search engines can prioritize authenticity and user needs, even in an era of rapid technological change. As one user on Reddit aptly put it, “I’ll get used to DuckDuckGo eventually. Thank god they have options to turn off all the AI bullshit.”
Citations
- TechCrunch: DuckDuckGo now lets you hide AI-generated images in search results
- Engadget: DuckDuckGo now allows you to filter out AI images in search results
- DuckDuckGo on X: New setting: hide AI-generated images in DuckDuckGo
- KnowYourMobile: DuckDuckGo Lets You Hide AI-Generated Images From Search Results
- Lowyat.NET: DuckDuckGo Lets You Hide AI Generated Images From Search
- The Cooldown: Google search ends in frustration after AI images dominate results
- AIFire.co: Google Search Is Full of AI-Created Images
- Originality.ai: Amount of AI Content in Google Search Results - Ongoing Study