When it comes to web searches, most of us instinctively turn to Google. Despite the growing number of privacy-focused alternatives like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, or Qwant, many users find themselves returning to the tech giant’s search engine. But what if you could get the precise search results you love from Google, minus the tracking and ads? Enter Whoogle, an open-source project that delivers just that—and with a few extra perks.
So, what exactly is Whoogle?
Whoogle acts as a privacy shield between you and Google. When you use Whoogle, your search queries are still processed by Google, but only the search results come back to you—cleaned of all the tracking cookies, ads, and tracking parameters that usually follow. Essentially, it’s like using Google without leaving any breadcrumbs for advertisers.
Setting up Whoogle is easier than you might think. It’s a server application that you can run directly in your web browser. After installation, you simply type your queries into a familiar search bar, and Whoogle does the rest. You even get the same helpful search suggestions that pop up as you type, just like on Google. The service also supports searches for images, videos, and news, and even lets you access Google Maps—though be aware that this will redirect you back to Google, which could compromise some of your privacy.
One of Whoogle’s key privacy features is its ability to block tracking cookies and use randomly generated user agents, making it harder for Google to pinpoint your identity. However, it’s important to note that Google will still see your IP address unless you use a VPN or the Tor network to mask it.
Whoogle also borrows a handy feature from DuckDuckGo known as “Bangs.” These are short key commands that let you jump directly to other search engines from within Whoogle. For instance, typing !yt in your query will take you straight to YouTube, or !t3n will search the t3n website directly. You can even perform local searches without revealing your GPS location by using commands like !hanover to find results specific to Hanover, Germany.
So, how do you get started with Whoogle?
There are multiple ways to set up Whoogle. For cloud-based users, services like Heroku, Repl.it, or Fly.io are supported. If you prefer to run it locally, you can install Whoogle as a Docker container on your computer or server. Advanced users can install it via the terminal with a few simple commands, while beginners can use Docker Desktop for a more user-friendly setup. Once installed, you can monitor Whoogle’s status and access your private search instance via a link in the Docker interface.
Is Whoogle worth the effort?
That depends on your needs. If you already use a VPN, block ads, and prevent tracking, Whoogle might not add much to your existing privacy toolkit. For the average user, switching to a more privacy-conscious search engine like DuckDuckGo might be easier. However, if you’re tech-savvy and curious about running your own home server, Whoogle is definitely worth a look. It could also be worth exploring other open-source options like SearXNG, a meta-search engine that aggregates results from over 70 sources, offering an even broader and more private search experience.
In a world where online privacy is increasingly under threat, tools like Whoogle offer a refreshing way to take back control—giving you the power of Google without the surveillance.