DuckDuckGo Browser Blocks YouTube Ads by Default in Direct Challenge to Google

DuckDuckGo announced a new built-in feature that automatically blocks YouTube video ads by default within its browser, directly challenging Google's core ad revenue model. The company stated that this privacy-focused feature is active in the latest desktop and iOS updates, with an Android rollout expected soon. The move leverages open-source blocking lists to offer users an ad-free web browsing experience.