DuckDuckGo introduces new option to filter out AI-generated images in search results

DuckDuckGo has introduced a new filter that enables users to hide AI-generated images from their image search results. This setting is accessible both from the Images search tab and in the search settings menu, allowing users to choose to show or hide AI-generated images according to their preferences.

Users can test the feature by performing an image search and selecting the drop-down option labeled “AI images: show” or “AI images: hide”. The filter operates based on manually curated open-source blocklists containing known AI image sources, including major contributions from uBlock Origin and the uBlacklist Huge AI Blocklist. According to DuckDuckGo, these resources significantly reduce the presence of AI-generated images in the results, although the company acknowledges the system may not block every such image.

While introducing the filter, DuckDuckGo reiterated its stance that AI features should remain private, useful, and optional. Blocklists, such as the “nuclear” list by uBlock Origin, contribute to broader coverage. However, users should be aware that the filter is not completely foolproof and may miss some AI-generated content.