Do Son 
The DuckDuckGo browser has recently enhanced its Scam Blocker tool, which is designed to intercept access to potentially dangerous websites. The updated functionality now extends beyond phishing and malware distribution, encompassing categories such as counterfeit online stores, websites impersonating cryptocurrency exchanges, fraudulent surveys promising cash rewards, scareware pages with alarming messages, and malicious advertisements disguised as legitimate banners.
DuckDuckGo, a browser that champions privacy, continues to position itself as a surveillance-free alternative that eschews personalized targeting. It retains no records of search history or browsing activity, blocks trackers, and refrains from curating content based on user behavior. Its macOS and Windows versions were launched in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Scam Blocker, operational since 2018, was initially focused on conventional malicious redirect schemes.
With the latest update, the tool cross-references every URL opened by the user against a constantly updated threat database—refreshed every 20 minutes. This process is conducted locally. In instances where a threat cannot be conclusively identified, data is relayed to DuckDuckGo’s servers using a cryptographic protocol that, according to the company, ensures absolute user anonymity and precludes de-anonymization.
When a threat is detected, the browser displays a warning prompt, alerting the user to potential risk. Nevertheless, a “proceed anyway” button remains available, maintaining the advisory—not coercive—nature of the feature. Scam Blocker is enabled by default, requires no account registration, and operates independently of third-party services. In contrast to mainstream browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, which rely on Google Safe Browsing and may transmit certain data back to Google’s ecosystem, DuckDuckGo’s approach remains staunchly autonomous.
An additional layer of protection is available exclusively to subscribers of the Privacy Pro service. In this mode, the threat filter extends across all internet traffic via VPN, safeguarding other browsers and applications alike. This is a premium feature and not included by default.
Amid the rising tide of online scams, the enhancement of Scam Blocker reflects a thoughtful response to an increasingly diverse threat landscape. The mechanism remains automatic and unobtrusive, while preserving the browser’s foundational commitment to privacy.
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