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DuckDuckGo Now Lets You Hide AI-Generated Images in Search

In a move that puts user control and search clarity first, DuckDuckGo has launched a new feature that lets you hide AI-generated images in search results. This update directly responds to growing complaints from users overwhelmed by the increasing volume of synthetic content, often dubbed “AI slop,” appearing during image searches. With generative AI content flooding the web, DuckDuckGo is setting itself apart by giving users the power to choose what they want to see. If you've ever searched for something specific—like a real baby peacock—only to be met with AI-made renditions, this filter is a game changer.

Image Credits:Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty Images

To activate the feature, simply perform a search on DuckDuckGo, navigate to the Images tab, and click on the new AI images dropdown. You’ll be able to choose between “show” or “hide” to control the visibility of AI-generated content. For those who want a more permanent change, the “Hide AI-Generated Images” option is also available in the search settings. This update is especially useful for researchers, journalists, students, and anyone looking for reliable, real-world images without the interference of machine-generated visuals.

Why DuckDuckGo’s AI Image Filter Matters

The timing of this feature couldn’t be more relevant. In 2025, internet users are increasingly struggling with the blurred lines between real and AI-generated content. Whether you’re searching for historical photos, nature scenes, or product visuals, it’s become harder to distinguish between authentic images and those created by artificial intelligence. DuckDuckGo’s new tool not only addresses this concern—it also speaks directly to their core mission: offering a privacy-first, clutter-free search experience.

Unlike major competitors like Google or Bing, which often prioritize engagement and algorithmic content, DuckDuckGo is taking a different route. By using manually curated, open-source blocklists—like the “nuclear” list from uBlockOrigin and the Huge AI Blocklist—this feature filters out a significant portion of synthetic content. While not foolproof, it substantially reduces AI interference in search results. This gives users more confidence in the authenticity of what they’re seeing, which is especially important in academic, professional, or news-related research.

How to Use the DuckDuckGo Hide AI-Generated Images Feature

Activating this filter is simple and user-friendly, in line with DuckDuckGo’s minimalist design. First, run a search and head over to the Images tab. You’ll find a dropdown labeled AI images—click it, and select either “Show” or “Hide” depending on your preference. Alternatively, for a permanent setting, go to Search Settings and toggle on “Hide AI-Generated Images.”

This functionality empowers users to reclaim control over their search experience without needing to install third-party plugins or adjust browser extensions. It’s also expected to help users save time, reduce visual noise, and increase the accuracy of their image-based queries. While the company acknowledges that the filter won’t catch every single AI-generated image, it still marks a major step forward in customizing web search environments.

What’s Next for DuckDuckGo’s AI Content Filtering?

DuckDuckGo hasn’t stopped here. The company says more filters are in development, although details remain under wraps. As demand for AI transparency and content labeling grows, it’s likely that we’ll see future tools aimed at helping users filter not just images, but also AI-written articles, deepfakes, and even synthetic audio from search results. This aligns with broader user expectations for transparency, trust, and authenticity online.

The example used to demonstrate this new feature—a search for “baby peacock”—hints at a deeper industry issue. Last year, Google faced backlash for returning mostly AI-generated images instead of real ones in similar searches. DuckDuckGo’s move is not just about filtering content; it’s about building user trust by helping people find what they’re truly looking for, without distractions. In a digital world saturated with synthetic media, tools like this are a much-needed step toward restoring balance.

As generative AI becomes more powerful and accessible, the web is shifting in ways that challenge how we consume and interpret content. DuckDuckGo’s new hide AI-generated images filter empowers users to cut through the noise and focus on real, trustworthy results. Whether you’re a student writing a paper, a journalist looking for credible sources, or just someone who prefers genuine photos over digital approximations, this feature is a welcome upgrade.

By putting users first and continuing to prioritize privacy and transparency, DuckDuckGo reinforces its role as the go-to search engine for people who care about control, quality, and clarity online.