Things to know about Startpage

Is the Startpage search engine legal? Startpage is one of the best proxy search engines on the web. However, like any other online service, it has both advantages and disadvantages from a security standpoint, as well as privacy.

Here are things to know about Startpage.

Advantages of Startpage

The article will begin evaluating Startpage according to some positive aspects of search engines.

1. Startpage does not log

Startpage claims to be the world's most private search engine. It has a few features that help confirm this.

The most prominent of which is the not saving the diary. Startpage neither holds the IP addresses of service users nor implements tracking cookies on a user's computer. Startpage's no-logs policy and security features have been verified by a third party.

2. Startpage uses HTTPS

All user searches on the Startpage are encrypted using HTTPS.

Encryption protects you against snooping on the Internet. There is no way for someone to monitor your connection (for example, on an insecure public WiFi network) to see what you have searched for or clicked on.

3. Startpage ensures privacy

Based entirely on the quality of search results, it's undeniable that Google is the best search engine in the world. Sadly, Google is also notorious for its data privacy and user privacy.

Startpage allows you to enjoy the benefits of Google results without any privacy drawbacks. It acts as an intermediary, sending your queries anonymously to Google, then returning the results to you privately. Google never knows who you are.

4. Anonymous View feature

The Anonymous View feature of Startpage is a relatively new development. It allows you to view any site in the search results list through a proxy, thus preventing the site you visit from learning about:

1. Location
2. ISP
3. Content is stored in cookies
4. The content is cached
5. Browser type
6. Network settings
7. Hardware
8. Etc.

You can view any search result in Anonymous View by clicking on the adjacent link.

5. Startpage has won many awards for privacy

Before rebranding to Startpage, this search engine was called Ixquick. As Ixquick, it was awarded the first EuroPriSe award in 2008 (followed by 2011, 2013 and 2015).

The EU awards companies for meeting data security and privacy requirements, after conducting through rigorous design and technical testing.

In 2019, Startpage also won the privacy award for the best consumer product in the Netherlands, mainly thanks to the Anonymous View feature.

Disadvantages of Startpage

Nothing is perfect and neither is Startpage. Here are some disadvantages of Startpage.

1. Having headquarters in the alliance of Nine Eyes

Startpage is based in the Netherlands, and that raises some concerns.

The Netherlands belongs to Nine Eyes, which is one of the largest and most important intelligence alliances in the world.

Theoretically, the startpage of Startpage helps this company avoid becoming part of the alliance program. Startpage stated that the government cannot force service providers to deploy spy programs. But that's not true.

For example, the Netherlands ignored the Justice Court's decision in April 2014 to invalidate the European Data Retention Directive. Accordingly, the country still requires all ISPs to retain customers' personal data, browsing history and email data during the contract execution period, as well as 6 months after customers stop using. use the service.

2. Startpage works for profit

Startpage BV is a private Dutch company. According to separate documents, the business has been profitable since 2004. However, Startpage makes powerful statements about privacy and data protection. So how does Startpage make money?

This is what Startpage says on its website:

'Startpage.com generates revenue from advertising. When performing a search on Startpage.com, you can see up to 3 sponsored search results at the top of the page. Clicking on the sponsored link will take you away from the Startpage.com website and to the advertisers' website.

As a safeguard, Startpage does not use cookies, past searches, or a user's browsing history to determine the ads they see. They are completely based on the search terms you enter.

Clicking on the ad means you'll be exposed to the usual data collection tactics used by advertising companies.

3. Startpage has collected some data

Startpage outlines some of the privacy policies, including collecting statistical data about the number of times services are accessed by a certain operating system, browser type, language, etc. but not known. What about individual users.

Some data collection is required to ensure the Startpage can provide a service that is suitable for all users. Remember, Startpage is a business operating for profit and running ads. Advertisers will request to see at least some data about a group of users who are likely to see their content.

However, the fact that Startpage has put information about this data collection is hidden in its privacy policy and this raises a concern.

Is Startpage legal?

No doubt, the answer is yes!

Startpage is a legitimate search engine. It certainly provides more privacy and protection to users than services like Google and Bing.

However, there are always hidden corners to note.

You should use Startpage in conjunction with other security measures, such as VPN. Consider the best VPN services that TipsMake.com recommends.