This is probably a really boring common question, but how can anyone know that a searx instance hasn't simply modified the source code to track / spy and sell the info to the highest bidders? Sure it can claim it "doesn't track" etc. because it doesn't do so out of the box
You are justified in your suspicions, and it is addressed here: https://asciimoo.github.io/searx/user/own-instance.html (alternative: http://archive.ph/diu8b) A quick summary of this link: using a public instance of searx means you must trust the host, even if you don't know specifically who it is. On the other hand, you can host your own private instance of searx, and you will then be in total control of the data you send and receive.
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Beta_Ray_Bill ago
Maybe searx?
RicardoBronson ago
This is probably a really boring common question, but how can anyone know that a searx instance hasn't simply modified the source code to track / spy and sell the info to the highest bidders? Sure it can claim it "doesn't track" etc. because it doesn't do so out of the box
TerrifiedTyphlosion ago
You are justified in your suspicions, and it is addressed here: https://asciimoo.github.io/searx/user/own-instance.html (alternative: http://archive.ph/diu8b) A quick summary of this link: using a public instance of searx means you must trust the host, even if you don't know specifically who it is. On the other hand, you can host your own private instance of searx, and you will then be in total control of the data you send and receive.