People have especially adopted privacy concerns due to increased use of computers and the internet. Since internet browsers such as Google monitor each click and search made, many people are looking for browsers that will not infringe on their privacy. In this article, I will highlight some of the search engines that don’t track and you can use to search for information without leaving a trace.
Reasons Why Private Search Engines are Necessary
Privacy online is not just about concealing one’s search terms from acquaintances, family members or colleagues. It’s about not letting your personal data be collected and utilized by corporations and sometimes even states. Large amounts of information are gathered by search engines such as Google to develop intricate user profiles that are useful in the placement of advertisements. This may seem rather benign, but it is a serious violation of privacy, especially when there are cases of data leaks or when the data is sold to third parties without the user’s permission. {module Banner In-article Ad}
The Emergence of Private Search
That is why in response to these concerns several private search engines appeared. It is claimed that these search engines that do not monitor your browsing history will offer the same level of relevant search outcomes while protecting your identity. Some of the main features are that they do not save your search history, do not track your IP address and many of them employ encryption to protect your search.
The list of search engines that don’t track users on the Internet:
DuckDuckGo
The most popular example of a private search engine is DuckDuckGo. DuckDuckGo was founded in 2008 and has been consistent in its advocacy for privacy protection for its users. It does not retain the record of your search history, does not capture any personal details, does not use cookies unless specified by the user.
Link: https://duckduckgo.com/
Features of DuckDuckGo
- No Tracking: Though DuckDuckGo collects some information, it does not share any of the users’ personal information.
- Bang Syntax: This feature enables users to search within other web pages by preceding the keyword with an exclamation mark (for example, !w for Wikipedia).
- Privacy Essentials: DuckDuckGo provides a browser extension and a mobile application for better and more private use of the internet.
Startpage
Another firm that offers privacy is Startpage which started operating in 2006. It is like Google search with much better protection of personal data. It serves as a mediator between user and Google, obtaining and displaying the results of the search without asking the user about his identity. {module Banner In-article Ad}
Link: https://www.startpage.com/
Features of Startpage
- Anonymous View: This feature enables users to browse Websites without leaving traces.
- No Tracking: It does not log the IP address or query you enter into the search engine.
- Customizable Interface: It is important to note that users can customize the interface of the search engine as per their preference.
Qwant
Qwant is a French innovative search engine founded in 2013 that does not track its users and does not display advertisements. It says it will not monitor its users nor change its search results, thus providing a plain search experience.
Link: https://www.qwant.com/
Features of Qwant
- Privacy Protection: It has to be mentioned that Qwant does not employ cookies and does not track users’ activity.
- Neutral Results: Qwant guarantees that results are not affected by the history of a user’s online activity.
- Qwant Junior: A child safe version of the search engine which also blocks results that are not suitable for children.
Searx
Searx is a metasearch engine based on the concept of metasearch while at the same time giving privacy to its users. Searx can also be hosted by the user for this client’s wish to have more control in what they discover on their browsers.
Link: https://searx.github.io/searx/
Features of Searx
- No Tracking: Searx plugin did not have a feature of tracking user’s data; it actually did not store any data of the users.
- Customizable: Searx users can even define almost all the sources which Searx will search in order to provide results.
- Open Source: Searx being an open source project, anyone can go and check it up for the veracity of the claim.
Swisscows
Swisscows is yet another search engine originating from Switzerland that is quite popular for its emphasis on privacy and protection of users’ data. It deploys semantic data recognition to return useful search results while at the same time not spying on the users.{module Banner In-article Ad}
Link: https://swisscows.com/en
Features of Swisscows
- No Tracking: Here are the main features of Swisscows: does not save personal data and search queries.
- Family-Friendly: The actual barriers to viewing the content are integrated into the search engine and filter the material with a focus on the forbidden section.
- Data Security: Swisscows is situated in Switzerland and thanks to the legislative act on the protection of personal information the site operates under severe rules.
MetaGer
MetaGer is a search engine originally from Germany which integrates results of several engines but preserves the anonymity of the user. It is under the non-profit making organization known as SUMA-EV, policies of making profits cannot influence privacy provisions.
Link: https://metager.org/
Features of MetaGer
- No Tracking: MetaGer also does not follow any activity of the user or stores any personal information of the users.
- Anonymous Searches: Finally, one can opine that the ability to search is done anonymously is a feature of most of the existing sites.
- Transparency: MetaGer gives extensive information on how it works and how it ensures user’s anonymity.
Mojeek
Mojeek is also a search engine based in the United Kingdom that uses its independent search index and respects user privacy more. Differently from other search engines that use data from outside, Mojeek being a new search engine, has developed their search engine from scratch.{module Banner In-article Ad}
Link: https://www.mojeek.com/
Features of Mojeek
- No Tracking: To this extent, Mojeek does not track users and does not use data about users for profiling.
- Independent Search Index: SM’s results are end-user customized and based on Mojeek’s index.
- Ethical Commitment: The search engine completely follows the principles of ethical standards in regards to the users’ privacy.
How to Select the Best Private Search Engine
Consider Your Needs
When selecting a private SE, one should determine which option is critical to him or her. If you are seeking for a search engine that has elements of anonymous browsing, then you will want this option; if you are looking for one with an adjustable graphical user interface bar, then that is the option you will want. Understanding what you need will assist you in selecting the right one.
Test Different Options
So, on average, you may consider testing several private search engines to find out which is more comfortable for you. Every search engine has its own pros and cons and every person is unique so it happens that some of them are good at something while others are not. This way, you are able to assess the viability and convenience of the search engine that provides the highest level of privacy based on one’s requirements for the search engine.
Stay Informed
Privacy is dynamic and there is need to be updated often with the changes in the market or laws regarding use and protection of such information. Keep yourself informed of current events related to privacy and technology; also be aware of any modifications that may have been made to the policies of the search engines you currently employ. This should assist you in making correct decisions of your web privacy. {module Banner In-article Ad}
Conclusion
People should be wise as they use search engines that don’t track especially in the current generation where our privacy is at risk through usage of search engines that monitor our activity. DuckDuckGo is one of its kind but there are few other search engines such as Startpage, Qwant, Searx, Swisscows, MetaGer, and Mojeek all of which have special characteristics and robust privacy measures. If you are to use a private search engine, you can also use the benefits of going for an online search without stressing over your privacy being infringed on.
