MetaGer: The Open-Source, Privacy-Focused Meta Search Engine

MetaGer is a privacy-focused meta search engine based in Germany, launched in 1996 by the non-profit organization SUMA-EV. MetaGer aggregates search results from multiple search engines and presents them in a single, unified list. It emphasizes privacy, security, and transparency, ensuring that no user data is tracked or stored. MetaGer also provides access to the “Deep Web,” offering search results from sources not typically indexed by mainstream search engines.

Key Features

• Meta Search Capabilities: Aggregates results from over 50 search engines, including Bing, Yahoo, Scopia, and others, to provide a comprehensive search experience.
• Privacy Protection: Does not track or store any user data, search history, or IP addresses, ensuring a secure and anonymous search experience.
• Open-Source: The source code for MetaGer is publicly available, allowing for full transparency and community contributions.
• Anonymous Proxy Option: Allows users to open search results anonymously via a proxy, further enhancing privacy and security.
• No Ads Tracking: Displays non-targeted ads and relies on donations and membership fees to maintain its operations, without compromising user privacy.

Benefits

• Strong Privacy Focus: Ensures user privacy by not tracking or storing any personal data, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users.
• Comprehensive Search Results: Aggregates results from multiple search engines, offering a wide range of content and sources.
• Transparency and Trust: Operates as a non-profit organization with open-source code, promoting transparency and community involvement.
• Access to Deep Web Content: Provides search results from sources that are not typically indexed by traditional search engines.

Strong Suit

MetaGer’s strongest feature is its privacy-centric approach combined with the meta-search capability. By aggregating results from various sources and not tracking user data, MetaGer provides a secure and comprehensive search experience.

Pricing

• Free: Basic search is free with non-targeted ads.
• Premium Membership: Optional membership starting at €5 per month for ad-free searches and to support the non-profit.

Considerations

• Limited User Interface: The interface is relatively simple and may not be as user-friendly or visually appealing as mainstream search engines.
• Dependent on External Sources: As a meta search engine, it relies on other search engines for its results, which may limit its independence.
• Limited Advanced Features: Lacks some advanced features like voice search or personalized search that are available in major search engines.

Summary

MetaGer is an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and want access to a broad range of search results from multiple sources. With its open-source, non-profit model and strong focus on data protection, it provides a secure and transparent alternative to mainstream search engines.