A Bold Move: GOOD is now ad-free and completely independent of BigTech

The advantages of ad-free search are so numerous that a comprehensive explanation is warranted. It’s evident that the shift towards ad-free searching is not just logical, but long overdue:

1 – Enhanced User Experienc
Without the influence of paid placements, search results are based purely on relevance and quality:

• Unbiased results: Top results are determined by relevance, not advertising budgets.
• Higher quality information: Organic results tend to offer more valuable and diverse content.

2 – Time and Efficiency Gains

Ad-free search translates to a more efficient user experience:

• Faster information retrieval: Users spend less time sifting through irrelevant sponsored content.
• Streamlined results: All listings are organic and directly related to the search query.

3 – Enhanced Privacy and Data Security

Ad-free search engines typically have less incentive to track user behavior:

• Reduced data collection: Less personal information is gathered and stored.
• Increased online privacy: Users can search without the fear of their queries being used for ad targeting.

4 – Neutrality and Lack of Commercial Bias

Without ads, search results remain uninfluenced by commercial interests:

• Unbiased information: Results are not skewed towards paying advertisers.
• Diverse perspectives: A wider range of sources can appear in top results.

5 – Improved Performance

Ad-free pages typically load faster and perform better:

• Quicker load times: No need to wait for ad content to load.
• Smoother browsing experience: Less strain on device resources, especially beneficial for mobile users.

6 – Reduced Psychological Pressure

The absence of ads creates a more relaxed browsing environment:

• No commercial pressure: Users can focus on information-gathering without feeling pushed to make purchases.
• Reduced manipulation: Less exposure to potentially misleading or aggressive marketing tactics.

In essence, ad-free search engines prioritize user interests over commercial goals, offering a clearer, more neutral, efficient, and private experience. This approach aligns the search tool more closely with its primary purpose: providing valuable information to users.

The answer to this question is complex, as the choice of search engine has far-reaching societal implications. It’s about the bigger picture. Currently, there are few truly independent search engines. Most well-known alternatives (like Startpage, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia) rely on algorithms from the two major tech companies, Google or Microsoft. GOOD is different. We use independent, newly developed search indices instead of repackaging Google or Bing.Google’s dominant position, with a global market share of about 90%, raises concerns about potentially limiting the diversity of opinions and openness in society. Some of these concerns include:

Limited Diversity of Opinion

When few companies determine which information is visible, it can restrict the variety of opinions and perspectives. A broad range of viewpoints is crucial for a functioning democracy.

Information Manipulation

The algorithms of these large providers may be designed to prioritize certain content that serves commercial interests while suppressing critical or alternative viewpoints.

Lack of Transparency

The algorithms of major search engines are often opaque, making it difficult for users to understand why certain information is displayed. This lack of transparency can undermine trust in the information source.

Dependence on Advertising Revenue

As these search engines heavily rely on advertising, content might be geared more towards clicks and sales figures rather than information quality. This can lead to the promotion of sensationalized or misleading content.

Monopolistic Practices

High market concentration can lead to monopolistic practices that push smaller providers and innovative alternatives out of the market. This reduces choices for users and weakens competitiveness.

Impact on Public Discourse

If search results are influenced by the interests of a few large companies, this can negatively affect public discourse and limit democratic debate.

Erosion of User Autonomy

Users may feel that their search results are being manipulated and that they can’t independently find the information they’re seeking. This can lead to a sense of powerlessness.

These points highlight the importance of promoting diversity in the search engine market to ensure that democratic principles are preserved and an informed citizenry emerges.

The search results are currently provided by Brave, based on a search index created from scratch. We have developed other components such as widgets, browser extensions and mobile apps ourselves or together with partners – often on the basis of open source applications.

In the future, we plan to integrate further independent search indices and develop features that will further expand our position as a sustainable search engine without advertising.

GOOD Search has no need to hide behind Google. Since January 2024, we have transitioned all our users to an independent search feed, receiving excellent feedback. With the removal of advertisements that previously pushed in front of the actual search results, the user experience has improved even further: it’s now more aesthetically pleasing, cleaner, and more focused. You find what you’re looking for, not what others are paying for.

A perhaps surprising but useful feature: we have deliberately placed a link to Google on our search bar. This makes it possible to compare search results with just one click, without having to re-enter the search term or revert to the tried-and-tested Google search for certain queries.

Our commitment to social change and climate protection remains a crucial part of our mission. We allocate a portion of the subscription revenue to support social innovations and climate protection projects that sequester more CO2 than our web searches generate.With our new model, your impact is significantly greater than before. This applies even to the basic subscription at €2 per month, and even more so for the Impact and Karma subscriptions at €5 and €10 per month, respectively.Experience has shown that the old, ad-supported model is only marginally profitable for alternative search engines. Across the board, the amounts generated for good causes amount to less than 10 cents per user per month, regardless of whether it’s our previous GOOD Search, Ecosia, our partner Panda Search, or others like Lilo or Youcare from France.Contracts with major advertising networks leave no room for larger margins. Only search engines with the strongest market positions, particularly Google, achieve these. In 2023, Google generated a staggering $239 billion (!) in advertising revenue from its search engine alone.Our new subscription-based model allows us to:

1. Generate more substantial funds for social and environmental causes
2. Maintain our independence from big tech and advertising networks
3. Provide a cleaner, more focused search experience for our users
4. Ensure transparency in how we use our funds
5. Amplify our users’ positive impact on society and the environment

By choosing a subscription with GOOD, you’re not just getting an ad-free search experience; you’re actively contributing to meaningful social change and environmental protection at a scale that far exceeds what was possible under the ad-supported model.

We aim to provide unlimited access to our ad-free search with a small monthly fee of €2 through our Basic subscription.This subscription is intentionally priced competitively. Here’s a breakdown of the €2:

• €0.32 goes to the government as VAT
• €0.38 covers payment processing and subscription management via Stripe
• About €0.40 covers the direct costs of processing approximately 100 search queries per month for an average user
• The remaining €0.90 is used for additional tech costs (servers, tools), our social engagement and CO2 offset, financing our small team, and further development of the search engine

With the Impact subscription at €5 per month, we have significantly more room to identify, prepare, and financially support our monthly impact projects.If you have the financial means to support our mission with a higher amount (or if you’re a “heavy user” and want to contribute more to our cost coverage), we appreciate you choosing the Karma subscription at €10 per month. We also invite our Karma subscribers to an annual direct exchange with our team.We have many ideas for using any surplus. One is to provide ad-free web searches to important institutions like schools, even when they lack a budget. As a social enterprise held by a foundation, profits remain within the non-profit framework and are used in line with our mission.

Key differences:

1. Basic (€2/month): Affordable access to ad-free search
2. Impact (€5/month): Increased support for social and environmental projects
3. Karma (€10/month): Maximum support for our mission, with the added benefit of annual team interaction

All subscriptions contribute to our social engagement and environmental efforts, but higher tiers allow for more significant impact and additional benefits.

After subscribing to GOOD, you’ll receive a login linked to your email address. This login works across all your devices, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

You can manage your subscription online and cancel it at any time just as easily – without any hidden clauses or fine print in the terms and conditions.

For daily web searches, we recommend – if you haven’t already – downloading the iOS or Android app from the Apple Store or Google Play, as well as installing the extension for your Chrome, Edge, or Firefox browser. These aspects remain unchanged with the switch to ad-free search.

Key points:

1. You receive a login linked to your email
2. The login works across all your devices
3. Easy online subscription management
4. Straightforward cancellation process with no hidden terms
5. Existing apps and browser extensions continue to function as before

Remember, this transition to ad-free search enhances your experience while maintaining the familiar interface and functionality you’re accustomed to with GOOD search

Those who subscribe to an annual plan online automatically receive a 20% discount. We offer this because annual subscriptions strengthen our planning security and help us save on payment transaction costs.Additionally, we have special B2B offers for organizations that centrally manage a large number of computers for their employees. GOOD is particularly ideal as a search engine for cities and municipalities. The principle of neutrality suggests that IT services like web search should not be financed through commercial advertising. At the same time, GOOD perfectly supports the sustainability strategies of local authorities or companies.

Key points:

• 20% discount on annual subscriptions
• Special B2B offers for organizations managing multiple devices
• Ideal for cities and municipalities due to neutrality requirements
• Supports sustainability strategies for local authorities and businesses

These offers allow us to cater to different needs while maintaining our commitment to providing an ethical, ad-free search experience. Whether you’re an individual user or representing an organization, we aim to make GOOD accessible and beneficial for all.

Sign-up your subscription today. If you opt for the Impact or Karma subscription, you particularly support our mission to drive positive change.

Spread the word about GOOD to your friends! Discussions around “excessive advertising” and the “commercialization of everyday life” are increasingly relevant, and we are committed to challenging these trends.Your connections with organizations that employ a large number of people can be especially valuable. This includes companies, cities, municipalities, and schools. Given their commitment to neutrality, these institutions ideally shouldn’t be using other search engines, but they often lack viable alternatives.

There are many ways to get involved! If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to reach out to us directly at andreas@good-search.org.

Key ways to support:

1. Subscribe early to help with transition costs
2. Spread the word about GOOD to friends and family
3. Connect us with large organizations, especially:
   • Companies
   • Cities and municipalities
   • Schools
4. Engage in discussions about excessive advertising and commercialization
5. Reach out directly for more ways to help

Your support in these ways can significantly contribute to our mission of providing an ethical, ad-free search alternative.