Firefox Search Engine

[ADGrimes]

Microsoft has Bing, Brave has Brave Search, Google Chrome has Google Search. It would be cool to have a Firefox search engine. I understand this could have an impact financially, but I still thought it would be worth raising as it would be nice to have Firefox branded search.

[MintMain21]

I don't know, there are plenty of Private Search engines like Duck Duck Go, Starpage, and Ecosia, and at least one of those is in Firefox by default.

I would love to see Firefox/Mozilla do more to promote these engines, including making one the absolute default instead of Google, but the fact they exist can keep Mozilla focused on the browser itself.

[dvdurst]

I would be in favor of setting DuckDuckGo to the default search engine. I have used exclusively for the past 5 years or so without any complaints. It's already one of the pre-configured search options.

[nix]

This is an idea that might actually work for generating more revenue for Mozilla. They could simply package Bing's results through API calls and use Microsoft's Ad network for keywords like Duckduckgo does. They could offer an ad-free experience for a small price, like Brave Search does.

[maxso216]

I suggest firefox desktop can have a quick setting wizard after new installation and user can chooses their search engines, theme, privacy setting, etc. Firefox fennec has already had that kind of thing, thought it can not let users choose their search engine.

[Froxcey]

Sorry, Mozilla don't sell your personal data, so they rely on Google paying them to and set it as the default search engine to keep Firefox alive. It's just the problem of being ethical. It's absolutely necessary and will not change unless there's someone else to sponsor them. Just go into settings and change it, it's not a lot of work and you will need to do it anyways. Also, maybe cool is not the way to justify why we need another new search engine, Duck Duck Go works pretty well as of now.

[fuseteam]

yeah a partnership with duckduckgo sounds like the way to go here 🤔

[Anonymous]

This sounds like a good idea.

I think i would use a search engine by a trustworthy company which respects user choise and privacy.

And mozilla could earn a penny with some unintrusive ads at the side of the search results.

Sounds like a win-win.  +1

[freejulian]

1) previously one could change the search engine in FF with one click - there was a button with the SE symbol in the URL - this has now disappeared, making it much harder to change the SE

2) Google is preset as default search engine upon installation and many not so technically skilled users will keep google as they do not know where to look in the settings

I find it highly problematic that a murky and dangerous company (cult?) like Google funds one of the biggest open souce projects, are these the results?

Suggestions:

--> 1) reintroduce the SE button in the URL
--> 2) offer a quick setting wizard upon first start to let users choose their default SE as suggested by @maxso216 

[KERR]

Not sure how well this would work, BUT there are some things Firefox could do:

- emphasize history instead of search results when typing in the address bar

- Provide search tips (we learned these in school, lost art?) eg how to use quotes or exclude certain words from results

- Controversial: I watched The Social Network which said that every web search uses X amount of processing power/is bad for the environment: therefore if FF instructed people to go to facebook.com instead of searching for facebook via google, it would be slightly better for the planet

- "Advertise" that other search engines exist (too many people are helpless without "the google"!). There are privacy focused ones, and search engines that plant trees. The search engine sector is actually growing and most search engines are "good enough" for many people

- Make it easy/obvious to search youtube/wikipedia/ebay etc from the address bar. Cut out the middleman (google). Also emphasize that you don't need to load the google.com homepage to start searching (don't laugh, your mum does it!) - you can just "rant" into the address bar

[Thoromem]

I'd much rather prefer Mozilla to focus on their other products and don't do Firefox search. There's really no reason to.

[NicolasTZ]

me gustaria que añadieran mozilla Search

I would like them to add mozilla Search

[hybridHelix]

Search Engine

Hello, I've loved your browser for at least 15 years and I hate Google with all the fire in my soul! Their AI crapola has gone too far and their results are basically unusable for anything but making yourself actively dumber at this point. I've heard your company is struggling and my suggestion is just to tack on the most basic web-search you can come up with. The less complex the better in my opinion. Between having a better and safer browser and something that can actually truthfully be called a search engine and not an advertisement machine you'll kick their butts. Love, Hadrian.

[Teknevra]

Suggestion for Firefox: Developing an Independent Web Search Engine

Dear Firefox Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m a dedicated Firefox user and have always admired the browser’s commitment to user privacy and open-source principles. Today, I’d like to propose an idea that could take Firefox’s mission a step further.

Have you ever considered developing your own independent web search engine, one that can compete with Google Search, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Yandex, and others, or even partnering with search engines that are ethical and privacy focused like Duck Duck Go. While Firefox already offers a browser app that allows users to search the web using various search engines, creating your search engine would be a bold move that aligns with Firefox’s values.

This hypothetical “Firefox Search Engine” could emphasize user privacy, transparency, and unbiased search results. It would not only provide an alternative to existing search engines but also give users the confidence that their online searches are conducted with the utmost respect for their privacy.

By building a search engine or partnering with a ethical and privacy focused search engine like Duck Duck Go, Firefox would have more control over the user experience, ensuring that it aligns with the values that Firefox users hold dear. It could also integrate seamlessly with the Firefox browser and other Firefox products, providing a holistic and privacy-focused ecosystem.

I understand that developing a search engine or partnering with a ethical and privacy focused search engine like Duck Duck Go  is a substantial undertaking, but it could be a game-changer in the landscape of web search. Firefox has a strong community of supporters who value privacy and open-source ideals, making it well-positioned to take on such a challenge.

Here is a list of benefits that Firefox could gain from creating its own search engine or partnering with an ethical, privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo:

1. Privacy-Centric Reputation: Firefox already has a strong reputation for prioritizing user privacy. Developing or partnering with a privacy-focused search engine would align with this reputation and reinforce Firefox’s commitment to protecting user data.

2. Enhanced User Control: A Firefox-owned search engine or partnership with one like DuckDuckGo would allow users greater control over their search data, providing options for anonymous searching and reducing the risk of data tracking.

3. User Trust: By offering a privacy-focused search engine, Firefox can build trust with users who are concerned about their online privacy, thereby attracting and retaining users who value these principles.

4. Reduced Data Sharing: Partnering with a privacy-focused search engine would likely involve fewer data-sharing agreements with third-party companies, reducing the risk of user data being used for targeted advertising or other purposes.

5. Customization: Firefox could integrate its search engine seamlessly into its browser, allowing users to easily customize their search experience, including choosing alternative search engines or privacy settings.

6. Ecosystem Synergy: Firefox could create a cohesive ecosystem with its browser, email client (Thunderbird), and potentially other services, making it easier for users to adopt Firefox as their primary online suite, thus increasing user loyalty.

7. Market Differentiation: Developing its own search engine or partnering with a privacy-focused one would differentiate Firefox from other browsers, potentially attracting users who are dissatisfied with mainstream browsers’ data practices.

8. Open Source Collaboration: Firefox’s commitment to open source aligns with the ethos of many privacy-focused search engines. Collaboration with such search engines would foster a sense of community and promote open source principles.

9. Global Expansion: A privacy-focused search engine could help Firefox expand its reach into regions where privacy concerns are particularly high, thereby increasing its market share.

10. Educational Opportunity: Firefox could use its search engine to educate users about online privacy and security, helping users make informed choices about their online behavior.

11. Transparency: Firefox has a history of transparency in its operations. Developing its search engine or partnering with an ethical one would likely come with a commitment to transparency in search algorithms and data handling.

12. Competitive Edge: By offering a compelling, privacy-centric search engine, Firefox could gain a competitive edge over other browsers, attracting users who prioritize privacy and ethical online practices.

Overall, creating its own search engine or partnering with an ethical, privacy-focused search engine like DuckDuckGo could be a strategic move for Firefox, aligning with its core principles and potentially expanding its user base.

[wutongtaiwan]

Firefox should have its own search engine

Chrome has Google search, Edge has Bing search, Brave has Brave search, but Firefox doesn't have its own search engine. You can think about developing your own search engine, and if you decide to develop your own search engine, your privacy protection should be as strong as duckduckgo, and you can't lose to duckduckgo. Some people may say that I can use the duckduckgo search engine directly, but I can't use duckduckgo in China, and if Firefox can develop a search engine focused on privacy, that would be the best

[Jon]

(Note: similar ideas have been merged into this thread)