DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine that has gained popularity for its commitment to user anonymity. While it’s often used for general searches, DuckDuckGo is also an effective tool for finding information about people. Whether you’re looking for an old friend, researching a professional contact, or verifying someone’s identity, here’s a guide to using DuckDuckGo to find people without compromising your privacy.

Step 1: Start with the Person’s Name

The simplest and most direct way to start your search is by entering the person’s full name in the search bar. If the individual has a unique name, you’re more likely to get relevant results right away. For common names, you might need to refine your query with additional details like city, occupation, or organisation. For example, searching “Sarah Johnson Sydney graphic designer” will narrow down potential matches.

DuckDuckGo pulls results from a range of credible sources, so you’ll often get links to social media profiles, public directory listings, and other online mentions.

Step 2: Use “Site:” to Search Specific Platforms

DuckDuckGo supports advanced search operators, which allow you to search specific websites directly. For example, if you know someone might have a LinkedIn profile, your search query could look like this:

“John Doe site:linkedin.com”.

This shows results exclusively from LinkedIn. You can use this technique for other platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, or even organisational websites, by substituting the domain (e.g., “Jessica Lee site:twitter.com”). This feature makes it easier to cut through general search results and go straight to relevant contexts.

Step 3: Include Other Identifying Details

If the name search isn’t enough, you can add other pieces of information to help pinpoint the person. Details such as their job title, school, or current city can make a huge difference. Example queries:

• “Michael Wong software engineer Melbourne”
• “Claire Peterson University of Queensland graduate”

DuckDuckGo is highly intuitive in parsing multi-keyword searches, so you can combine as many details as you know to filter results.

Step 4: Explore Public Records

DuckDuckGo can direct you to directories or public record databases that list information about people. For instance, if you’re searching for someone in Australia, directories like the White Pages or electoral rolls might appear in the search results. Typing “Andrew Thompson White Pages Sydney” could guide you to public databases where the person may be listed.

Since DuckDuckGo doesn’t track search history or filter results based on your past activity, you’ll likely get unbiased access to local directories without intrusive ads or distractions.

Step 5: Search for Images

If the person has a publicly visible online presence, their photographs may appear in a basic search. DuckDuckGo includes an image search function—available just by clicking on the “Images” tab after entering your query.

This can help verify if you’ve found the right individual, especially for people with generic names. For instance, searching “Alex Davis Brisbane” under Images may reveal profile pictures from social media, company directories, or articles where they’re mentioned.

Step 6: Search Email Addresses or Usernames

If you have more than just the person’s name, DuckDuckGo can help search email addresses or usernames. For instance:

• “john.doe@gmail.com”
• “JaneSmith2023 Twitter”

This technique can locate profiles, contributions to forums, or even mentions in professional directories, giving you more context about the individual you’re researching.

Step 7: Use DuckDuckGo Instant Answers

DuckDuckGo offers a handy feature called Instant Answers, which provides at-a-glance details for certain queries. While this is most commonly used for facts and calculations, it can also display social media profiles or articles when relevant, making your search process much quicker.