Most of the major search engines track your internet history. This can be disconcerting when you break it down, are you really happy with the idea of your search history being tracked?
Information is leveraged by companies like Google to build a profile based on your search history, to then deliver options on the preferences established. Though Google claims to safeguard consumers from third-party exploitation, many have their doubts. Regardless of how your data is used, it’s an invasion of privacy any way you look at it.
If you’re not happy with this concept, there are lots of alternative search engines which offer peace of mind for consumers, including the following:
DuckDuckGo
Arguably the most popular search engine for users who value their privacy. If you’re put off by the idea of your search queries being tracked, you’ll appreciate DuckDuckGo.
What’s great about DuckDuckGo is its user-friendly interface, which incorporates minimal ads and enables infinite scrolling. You’ll appreciate a streamlined experience and the assurance of zero tracking.
DuckDuckGo even integrates with existing browsers, meaning you can simply add the extension and keep your activity private. This concept is boosted by an additional feature called bangs, which allows you to search directly within additional websites through DuckDuckGo. All you have to do is type in a prefix within your search. For example, typing ‘!Amazon Kindle’ would take you directly to the Amazon search page for the query ‘Kindle’.
HotBot
Another safe alternative which has experienced a surge in popularity. HotBot is a high-performance option for consumers. What’s unique about this search engine is it uses multiple workstations that work in conjunction, rather than a few mainframes/supercomputers.
These constitute a Network of Workstations (NOW), incorporating strategy which enables HotBot to keep pace with the more established search engines. This is important as mainstream search engines continue to grow exponentially.
Hot.com
This relatively new, specialist search engine secures your privacy with encryption. You’ll also appreciate your information not being tracked, where you can rest knowing your data won’t be shared with third parties.
Take advantage of Hot and you’ll benefit from increased security, with the assurance your search queries won’t be exposed.
Boardreader
Specializing in forums and message boards, Boardreader is a unique search engine with specific functionality. You can search across thousands of forums across the web, before narrowing results based on criteria like filter down results, date, language and more.
Boardreader is an excellent platform if you’re performing content research since it makes it very easy to discover content written by real users. Search a topic of choice and familiarize yourself with different niches, utilizing Boardreader to discover the best forums to visit.
Ecosia
We’re living in an era where environmentally friendly initiatives are a top priority, especially considering the impact of human behavior on our existence. Reducing our carbon footprint is a collective objective for us as humans, to reduce CO2 emissions and secure our survival as a race.
Search engine usage tends to consume considerable resources, contributing significantly to our global footprint. Fortunately, Ecosia protects the environment as a CO2 neutral search engine.
For every search executed via the platform, money goes to a tree-planting scheme. In fact, for every 45 searches, a new tree is planted, funded using the revenue from searches on this safer engine.
Yandex
Among the five most popular search engines in the world, Yandex is particularly well-used across Russia. There it holds a quite staggering 60% share of the search engine market, a feat to behold when you consider the global dominance of Google.
Yandex uses an interface not dissimilar from Google, with options to search images, videos, websites and more. It is a user-friendly layout that incorporates additional features, including maps, translation, mobile apps, cloud storage and more.
An argument can be made for its interface being cleaner than Google. However, its functionality is remarkably similar. Most importantly, you’ll be reassured by the no-tracking policy the search engine embraces.
It’s best to take a trial and error approach when using these safer alternatives. You’re bound to discover one which suits your individual preferences, from which point you can browse in total privacy.
