DuckDuckGo launches a subscription with VPN included, soon in France?

Known for its commitments to online privacy, DuckDuckGo reaches a new milestone with the launch of PrivacyPro. On the menu: VPN, deletion of personal information on devices and restoration of identity in the event of theft.

We already knew DuckDuckGo well for its private browser and search engine. Here it is announcing that it is completing its offering with new tools dedicated to the protection of anonymity and personal data. Called PrivacyPro, this security suite is already available in the United States for $9.99 per month. A first for the company which, until now, made a point of distributing its applications and services for free.

An in-browser VPN that can protect the entire device

In detail, PrivacyPro brings together three distinct and complementary types of services: a VPN, a module for automatic deletion of personal information collected and stored by data brokerage sites, and a restoration tool in the event of identity theft in line. However, there is no question for the company of multiplying software. Where the competition focuses on the development of standalones, DuckDuckGo has decided to deploy PrivacyPro… in its browser. In short, you will need to download and install DDG Browser to be able to subscribe to PrivacyPro.

For its VPN, DDG chose to use the WireGuard protocol, known for its lightness, reliability and stability. Logically, all device traffic is encrypted by the virtual private network, including that sent by browsers other than that distributed by the company. Nothing really surprising compared to the competition, then. Despite everything, DDG stands out by opting for an anonymous identification system for the service. Instead of the traditional username and password, the VPN integrated into PrivacyPro assigns a random identifier to its subscribers. A way for DuckDuckGo to show its credentials regarding its strict no-log commitments.

For the moment, DuckDuckGo administers a rather small infrastructure, with servers located in the United States, Canada and Europe. According to the company, new equipment deployed in other regions of the world should soon supplement the current coverage.

Additional tools to regain control over your personal data online

If it constitutes a major axis of PrivacyPro, the VPN distributed by DDG is supported by two other features designed to help Internet users regain control of their private data online.

The automatic deletion module for personal information stored by brokerage sites should allow users to disappear quickly and permanently from databases on which it is usually difficult to gain control. According to DuckDuckGo, the tool is able to analyze the records maintained by dozens of companies and demand the immediate and permanent deletion of the information held. Better yet, it manages confirmation emails without requiring intervention from the Internet user.

Third option integrated into PrivacyPro: a personalized assistance service, deployed in partnership with Iris, a company specializing in protection against online identity theft. Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it must support Internet users in the steps to take in the event of identity theft (declaration of theft and replacement of official documents, authorities to contact in the event of fraud, freezing of files credits, etc.).

Source : DuckDuckGo