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Introduction to MetaGer
MetaGer is a privacy-focused metasearch engine based in Germany, developed through a collaboration between the German NGO ‘SUMA-EV – Association for Free Access to Knowledge’ and the University of Hannover. It is designed to protect users’ privacy while providing comprehensive and unbiased search results.
Key Features
Privacy Protection
MetaGer stands out for its stringent commitment to user privacy. It does not track or store personal data, including IP addresses, ensuring that users can conduct searches without the fear of being monitored or having their information sold to third parties. This aligns with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and ensures strong data protection.
Metasearch Functionality
MetaGer operates as a metasearch engine, aggregating results from multiple sources. It relays search queries to as many as 50 search engines, with primary web results coming from Bing, Mojeek, and Brave Search. This approach provides users with a diverse and comprehensive range of information, offering a broader perspective compared to traditional search engines that rely on their own databases.
User-Centric Features
- Search Foci: Users can select from different search foci such as Web, Images, and News, each associated with specific search engines. This allows for tailored search experiences based on the user’s needs.
- Filter and Settings: Users can apply various filters, such as date, language, and SafeSearch (youth protection filter), to customize their search results. Some of these features are available only with a MetaGer Key.
- Personal Blacklists: Users can create personal blacklists to filter out unwanted websites from their search results.
Encryption and Anonymity
MetaGer provides access to its services only through encrypted connections. Additionally, it offers a Tor Hidden Service, allowing users to access the search functionality from within the Tor network. Users can also open result webpages anonymously, further enhancing their privacy.
Customization and Control
- Bang Syntax: MetaGer supports the !bang syntax, allowing users to search directly on specific websites (e.g., `twitter cat` to search for “cats” on Twitter).
- MetaGer Key: Users can obtain a MetaGer Key to enable ad-free searches, additional filter options, and other premium features. The key can be managed and recharged to maintain these benefits.
Open Access and Anti-Censorship
MetaGer promotes open access to information and combats censorship by indexing openly accessible sources and prioritizing non-commercial websites. Its decentralized architecture allows for independent verification of search results, shielding against manipulation or suppression of information.
Additional Functionality
- Language Selection: Users can select the language of the search results, ensuring that only results in the chosen language are displayed. Some languages may require a MetaGer Key.
- Search Filters: Users can filter search results by date, language, and content appropriateness using the SafeSearch filter. These filters help in refining the search outcomes to meet specific needs.
In summary, MetaGer is a robust and privacy-focused metasearch engine that offers a unique blend of comprehensive search results, user-centric features, and strong data protection, making it a viable alternative to mainstream search engines for those prioritizing online anonymity and unbiased access to information.
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