DuckDuckGo Sells Out 'Anti-AI' Sunglasses in a Week

Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has launched an unconventional product: classic sunglasses with no technological features. The initiative responds to the growing popularity of smart glasses with cameras and artificial intelligence, which the company argues violate user privacy.

The sunglasses, called Normal F****** Sunglasses, were developed in collaboration with brand Knockaround and feature a classic design with polarized lenses and UV400 protection. The product page emphasizes the absence of cameras, microphones, notifications, and the need for charging. The first batch of sunglasses, priced at $35, sold out within days of its late July launch.

DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg previously stated that AI-based surveillance technologies should be banned. The sunglasses are part of a satirical campaign against Big Tech, promoting the idea that the only truly private devices are those without cameras or microphones. A new batch is available for pre-order with an expected shipping date in November.

The product has received overwhelmingly positive feedback: DuckDuckGo’s original post on TikTok* garnered 3.5 million views. Even satirical publication The Onion responded to the news with humorous comments from fictional users.