What Every Search Engine Really Knows About You

The Search Engine Privacy Index: “Despite Google’s continued dominance in search, users today have more choices than ever. Mainstream engines, privacy-focused alternatives, decentralized platforms, and even AI chatbots can all provide an answer you seek. No matter what type of engine you use, every search leaves a digital trail. The key difference lies in how much information is collected, who can access it, and how long it is retained. Interest in privacy-focused engines has particularly grown in recent years. After Google’s AI-heavy search changes in May 2026, DuckDuckGo reported a sharp rise in app installs across the U.S., peaking at 30.5% daily growth. That shift led us at Private Internet Access to review the privacy policies and public documentation of 24 search engines, comparing how they collect, retain, and share user data…”