Search Engines and Your Data Privacy
I've recently decided to take my online data seriously, and thought I'd share some of my findings with you! My first action has been to change my search engine to a privacy-first platform, DuckDuckGo.
Despite not being quite as tried and tested as Google Search, underdog search engine DuckDuckGo has several benefits over its (much) bigger brother, especially in terms of protecting your private online information. From a lack of targeted ads to restrictions on retaining your data, DuckDuckGo is becoming the chosen search engine of the more privacy-conscious online users like myself.
Throughout the last few months, I have noticed that targeted ads have all but disappeared. This includes within a Google search and other platforms such as YouTube (I appreciate YouTube is owned by Google), LinkedIn, Amazon, and many more.
Some key benefits are:
- Privacy first search platform for individuals
- There are no targetted ads
- Search results are not stored or analysed or manipulated to make a profit on your and your data
- Seamless integration with existing web browsers and devices
- When used in conjunction with a privacy-orientated web browser (such as Brave), it can really reduce your digital presence
While it may not be as well-rounded as Google in terms of search result quality, I've been mostly satisfied with my experience.
Any thoughts or questions are welcome in the comments!
Cyber Security
online privacy
