# DuckDuckGo's new iPhone feature enhances privacy Share links without unwanted trackers - **Source:** [Latest news](https://brifing.si/source/77d15218-219f-472d-bf40-31b5646d2942) - **Published:** 2026-08-06 - **Topic:** [Software & Engineering](https://brifing.si/c/engineering) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d1ef2b6d-3caa-4f4f-a38e-ba2d9f5721a2 ## DuckDuckGo's new feature DuckDuckGo's iOS app introduced a feature that automatically removes unnecessary tracking identifiers and fingerprinting parameters from links. This ensures users share only clean URLs. According to Digital Trends, the feature strips everything after the question mark in URLs, providing a simple privacy solution. ## The hidden risk in social media links Links copied from platforms like Facebook often contain tracking identifiers. Users unknowingly share these data points. For instance, instead of 'example.com/article.html', links appear as 'example.com/article.html?tracking_id=123'. DuckDuckGo's solution preserves only the base URL, eliminating privacy risks during sharing. ## How Copy Clean Link works When enabled, the feature automatically scrubs all tracking data from copied links. Whether sharing via messaging apps or email, recipients receive only the pure URL. Launched in a late July App Store update, the feature is currently iPhone-exclusive. It operates independently of the browser used to open links. ## Limitations to consider Clean Copy Link doesn't block cookies or trackers that activate when links are opened. Protection occurs only during the copying phase. Depending on recipients' browser settings, tracking risks may persist when links are accessed. DuckDuckGo emphasizes this as a sharing-focused solution rather than comprehensive browsing protection. ## What Android users should do The feature remains iOS-only for now. Android users must manually edit links for similar protection. Experts suggest removing everything after the '?' in URLs as a workaround. DuckDuckGo hasn't confirmed Android availability, leaving millions of users waiting for equivalent privacy tools on their platform. ## A significant privacy advancement Privacy advocates hail this as a major step forward in digital protection. The feature prevents accidental data leakage, particularly from social media links containing hidden tracking methods. DuckDuckGo strengthens its privacy-first reputation with this innovation, setting a benchmark for competitors in the browser market. ## Practical solution for everyday users The feature offers significant convenience for non-technical users, eliminating extra steps when sharing links. With over 50 million downloads, DuckDuckGo demonstrates strong demand for privacy tools. Industry observers expect similar features to emerge across browsers as privacy becomes a key differentiator. ## Why you should enable it now For iPhone users, this feature represents one of the easiest ways to reduce digital footprints. Simply installing the app provides automatic protection when sharing links. Privacy experts emphasize the need for widespread adoption of such tools to combat pervasive online tracking practices. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.zdnet.com/article/duckduckgo-is-adding-a-feature-for-iphone-that-everyone-should-have/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._