DuckDuckBot
Run by DuckDuckGo
How to detect DuckDuckBot
DuckDuckBot names itself in its user agent, but anyone can copy a user agent, so it is detected by confirming the user agent against other signals: source IP confirmed as the operator's own network; and how the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent.
- Detection method
- Self-declaredThe agent names itself in its user agent, and Verisoul confirms it with network, device or behavioral data. A user agent alone is never enough.
- Signals that identify it
- NetworkSource IP confirmed as the operator's own network
- DeviceNames itself as DuckDuckBot in its user agent, which we check against the rest of the session
- BehavioralHow the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent
Every signal Verisoul checks for DuckDuckBot
DuckDuckBot names itself in its user agent. Anyone can copy that, so we only label a session DuckDuckBot when the other signals check out too.
- Not used
Cryptographic
Not needed to identify it
- Used
Network
Source IP confirmed as the operator's own network
- Used
Device
Names itself as DuckDuckBot in its user agent, which we check against the rest of the session
- Used
Behavioral
How the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent
How often you'll see it
Uncommon
Seen on some sites, in small volumes
More from DuckDuckGo
Questions about DuckDuckBot
How do you detect DuckDuckBot?
DuckDuckBot names itself in its user agent, but anyone can copy a user agent, so it is detected by confirming the user agent against other signals: source IP confirmed as the operator's own network; and how the session clicks, types, moves and navigates matches an automated agent.
What is DuckDuckBot?
DuckDuckBot is DuckDuckGo's crawler for its search results.
Does DuckDuckBot identify itself?
Partly. DuckDuckBot names itself in its user agent, but user agents are easy to copy, so the name alone is not proof.
Can a bot pretend to be DuckDuckBot?
A bot can copy DuckDuckBot's user agent or markers, but the network, device and behavior signals will not match, so it is not labeled DuckDuckBot.
How common is DuckDuckBot?
Uncommon. Seen on some sites, in small volumes.
What does the Verisoul API return for DuckDuckBot?
Every session Verisoul identifies as DuckDuckBot carries an agent block with id "duckduckbot", name, provider, type "crawler", detection_method "self_declared" and the detection_signals used (network, behavioral). Build rules on the id, type and detection method.