Chrome calls it Incognito Mode. In Firefox and Safari, it’s Private Browsing, while Microsoft Edge labels it InPrivate. People are demanding better privacy online, and big tech companies have made their moves to cater to that need through their browsers.

However, local privacy on your computer or device and online privacy are two very different things.

It’s easy to presume that your online activity is hidden when private browsing modes are enabled, but in reality, that isn’t the case. The privacy changes occur on your end (regarding cookies, history, etc.), while data is still collected by the sites you visit.

The Search for the Best Online Privacy

The most reliable way to stop search engines and apps such as Google, Bing, Facebook, and TikTok from tracking your usage is to stop using their services altogether.

Undoubtedly, smaller search engines that deliver better privacy have other shortcomings.

You need to say goodbye to personalized experiences based on past activity. The ability to log in and customize your settings for future visits isn’t always available. And of course, Google will typically be a few steps ahead in terms of the quality of their search results.

Nevertheless, if beefed-up privacy is what you need, it’s a small price to pay. By sticking with a major search engine when you don’t mind being tracked and using a privacy-first search engine the rest of the time, you get the best of both worlds.

So, what are the alternatives to the big dogs? Likely, many of these names will be new to you. Maybe it’s time for more people to open their minds about search engines and give the up-and-comers a chance.

1. DuckDuckGo

While your neighbour probably hasn’t heard of it, DuckDuckGo has built its name up to the point where its first option for privacy focused searchers.

Not tracking their customers’ usage in any way is DuckDuckGo’s calling card. The emerging search engine doesn’t collect your data, store it, or share it. As advertisers are notorious for using data collected from searches, this also means you won’t have to look at annoying ads for the electric lawnmower you just researched two minutes ago.

2. WolframAlpha

It’s a “computational knowledge engine,” and if that means nothing to you, it pulls from a massive database of knowledge and does its best to tailor that data based on your search. So rather than asking Web pages for the answers, WolframAlpha is a solution in itself. No, it won’t replace a traditional search engine for everything, but it sure beats Encyclopedia Britannica.

3. Startpage (by Ixquick)

Startpage trumpets itself as “the world’s most private search engine.” It takes advantage of Google search technology while tossing out the company’s privacy rulebook. There is also a proxy feature to increase anonymity even more; by enabling it none of the sites you visit can see your IP.

4. Yippy

With Yippy you can filter out results that aren’t relevant to your interests by selecting categories, using tag clouds, and sources. This may be a breath of fresh air for users that are tired of sites attempting to guess what you want all the time rather than just asking.

Yippy doesn’t track searches and doesn’t display customized ads either.

5. Swisscows

Hulbee AG, the Swiss-based software company behind Swisscows, utilizes a data cloud for a more intuitive connection to information and for quicker load times. It manages to provide intelligent, relevant results without probing its users.

By encrypting searches, Swisscows protects you against third party attacks and data leaks. It doesn’t leave any tracks when you search on the site: topics, IP addresses and personal information are not stored. And for those looking to protect themselves from the wrong side of the internet that can sometimes show its face at inappropriate times, it’s family friendly too.

6. Disconnect Search

With a little help from DuckDuckGo, plus the giants at Bing and Yahoo, Disconnect Search piggybacks on great existing search technology but doesn’t record your IP or your history.

For higher levels of security Pro (blocks trackers and malware) and Premium (masks location, IP with a VPN) services are also offered.

7. Lukol

This one is simple: it’s Google, but with a proxy server added to the chain to hide your identity. Lukol keeps tabs on fraudsters and shady sites, safeguarding you from attacks you might not see coming.

Visual learners will appreciate that results have images pulled from corresponding Web pages next to links.

8. MetaGer

Privacy comes naturally to this German outfit; every search is completed with respect for your privacy. They don’t save your IP, and the fingerprint of your browser. Cookies aren’t used nor are tracking pixels. Data is encrypted though the HTTPS protocol so your ISP can’t see your searches either.

Options to browse with a proxy or through the anonymous TOR network are available to those willing to put in the effort.

—

Photo: jpbr