Frequently Asked Questions
What is Waterfox Private Search?
Waterfox Private Search is a privacy-focused meta-search engine that provides search results from popular search engines without allowing those companies to build profiles on you. We act as an intermediary, processing your searches through our infrastructure to protect your privacy.
What is a meta-search engine?
A meta-search engine is a search tool that sends user queries to selected search engines and returns the results. Unlike traditional search engines that maintain their own web index, we leverage existing search engines while adding privacy protections.
How is this different from using Google directly?
When you use Google directly, they can associate your searches with your identity and build a profile about you. With Waterfox Private Search, your queries are processed through our servers, stripping identifying information before reaching the search providers.
What information do you collect about me?
We collect minimal information necessary to provide the service. We do not log IP addresses with your search queries and do not build profiles of our users' search habits.
Which search engines do you support?
Currently, we support Google as our default search engine. We plan to add support for Brave, Bing, and Mojeek in the future. We're continually working to add more search providers based on user feedback and demand.
Are there search limits?
During the beta period, our service offers unmetered search usage. However, we reserve the right to implement limits if necessary to prevent abuse.
Why do I see ads in search results?
During the open beta, Waterfox Private Search is supported by advertisements that we provide directly through SitePlug to fund our development efforts. These ads are displayed in a privacy-respecting manner. We plan to offer ad-free paid options in the future.
Can I set this as my default search engine?
Yes, we provide an OpenSearch description file that allows you to add Waterfox Private Search as a search engine in most modern browsers. Look for the "Add to Browser" option in the settings menu.
How does the location setting work?
The location setting allows you to see search results as if you were searching from a specific country. This is useful for finding local results without actually being in that location.
Do I need an account to use this service?
No, you don't need an account to use Waterfox Private Search during the beta period. Account creation will be available when we launch paid plans in the future.
Who is behind Waterfox Private Search?
Waterfox Private Search is developed and maintained by BrowserWorks Ltd, the same company behind the privacy-focused Waterfox browser.