Non-tracking search engine question

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Chaconne
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Joined: Sat Dec 15, 2007 3:18 pm

Non-tracking search engine question

Post by Chaconne »

I've been reading a bit about non-tracking alternatives to Google. Lately I've been barraged on my computer and iPhone with ads for things I've looked up online, and it's starting to bug me.

So I've been reading a bit about engines like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, Qwant and others. In fact, I've been using DuckDuckGo a bit, and I don't understand why it tells me to download the app and extension. It seems to work fine if I just go to DuckDuckGo (dot) com and do a search from that page. Do I really need to download the app and extension? Or can I just do what I've been doing at the DuckDuckGo (dot) com page and search without being tracked? THANKS!
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JoeRetire
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by JoeRetire »

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life in slices
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by life in slices »

I use brave browser with duck duck go as default search engine - IMO seems to do a reasonable job in minimizing the tracking
GAAP
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by GAAP »

The mobile app will offer you the ability to block trackers from the other apps on your phone -- something that is surprisingly common (and I don't mean from advertisements).
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like2read
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by like2read »

I've used DuckDuckgo but recently switched to Startpage. Startpage uses Google for search but makes your query anonymous. Much better search results. See below for more.

https://www.startpage.com/privacy-pleas ... ngine-work

https://www.startpage.com/

Also use uBlock Origin on Firefox.

l2r
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vitaflo
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by vitaflo »

No you don’t need the app or extension for DDG. If you go into the settings on the site you can turn the nagging for that off.
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scorcher31
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by scorcher31 »

I'm not familiar with the browsers, but you probably want to use a vpn if you want to decrease your risk of being tracked.
jayjayc
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by jayjayc »

No, you don't need the app to use DDG search. The app is a mobile browser. You can use Google and Bing on the DDG app.

Many sites now have a warning banner that you must accept their cookies and trackers. The warning doesn't go away until you accept it. I like using the DDG app for these sites b/c it has a conveniently placed fire button that nukes all the cookies and history.
Topic Author
Chaconne
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Joined: Sat Dec 15, 2007 3:18 pm

Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by Chaconne »

Thanks so much for the info, folks. I think I'm getting a better idea of what's what.
biscuit5
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by biscuit5 »

like2read wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:31 pm
Also use uBlock Origin on Firefox.

l2r
you cannot install that on FF? only Chrome?
JayB
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by JayB »

like2read wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:31 pm I've used DuckDuckgo but recently switched to Startpage. Startpage uses Google for search but makes your query anonymous. Much better search results. See below for more.

https://www.startpage.com/privacy-pleas ... ngine-work

https://www.startpage.com/

Also use uBlock Origin on Firefox.

l2r
I have Webroot Web Threat Shield on my Windows 10 computers that rates and color codes the security level of each entry in a Google search result using the Chrome or Edge browsers. I did not see any such rating capability for Startpage, so the chance of clicking on links to malicious web sites is much greater. Am I missing something?
csmath
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by csmath »

biscuit5 wrote: Wed Oct 05, 2022 8:13 pm
like2read wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 6:31 pm
Also use uBlock Origin on Firefox.

l2r
you cannot install that on FF? only Chrome?
https://github.com/gorhill/uBlock#ublock-origin
biscuit5
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by biscuit5 »

Thanks. Was in FF searching extensions and it stated for Chrome only. Will give a look further. :thumbsup
MBB_Boy
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by MBB_Boy »

Brave browser has its own search, no need to use DDG
afan
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by afan »

You can use settings to block google from saving your searches.
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jayjayc
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Re: Non-tracking search engine question

Post by jayjayc »

Mozilla's link for the ublock extension:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefo ... ck-origin/
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