Google Maps is a widely used Maps and directions service but it is not a privacy friendly option. As you might already know, along with your live location, any place your search and go it stored in your Google account and later used to target ads. Although you do get to delete this data now that doesn’t make it private.
On the other hand, DuckDuckGo launched in map directions to let you plan routes privately. DuckDuckGo already offers privacy friendly alternative to Google Search and now with directions, it’s bringing more privacy focussed alternative to the masses. It acquires your live location without revealing your identity. Just like the DuckDuckGo search, none of your data is stored or shared.
Also read: DuckDuckGo Lite: Minimal Ad-free Version of DuckDuckGo
Plan Routes Privately with DuckDuckGo Directions
This private directions feature of DuckDuckGo is powered by Apple’s MapKit JS framework. Apple Maps is known for its privacy-friendly primaries. It uses a safe unique way to fetch your live location without linking it to your device, account, or leaking it to any third-party.
Getting private directions with DuckDuckGo is easy and straightforward. Just search the location on DuckDuckGo and pick the Maps option for the results. It loads a map with the location powered by Apple Maps. You get a list of locations matching your search query along with TripAdvisor reviews and addresses.
Simply pick the location you want to get directions to. When you do that, it shows that location on the screen along with a button to get directions at the bottom of the screen. This shows you the directions to the location from your current location. You can also enter a custom starting location if you like and get directions for driving and walking. The map shows you all the possible routes along with step by step navigation.
Wrap Up
This new ‘Directions’ feature is a nice addition to already good DuckDuckGo private alternative to Google Maps. It lets you plan your routes privately without compromising your location privacy. Currently, it uses Apple Maps for the direction data with an announcement to add Google Maps, Bing Maps, and OpenStreetMaps with the same privacy.
