Oh you guys have gotta be kidding me!
You'll start equipping tin foil hats next.
If you are so utterly petrified about your privacy then get off the internet. I know that sounds harsh but it's reality. True privacy on the internet is a myth. You give someone information, they have that information even if they don't share it. I've used Google for years. I've got nothing to hide. I don't care about them knowing what I'm searching. Even if it's porn. People view porn. People get off. I hold no shame.
Also the US based company thing must be a joke. We're all Mac users here. Apple is a US-based company.
Duck Duck Go is as safe as any other search engine. It may not be the best but supposedly it does not track you if you care about that rubbish. Whether you choose to use it or not is up to you. You already know your preference for searches.