From bb71ebc3945b8e345bebe45a7d393afba6366ab9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Martin Fischer Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2022 14:49:40 +0100 Subject: [docs] move own-instance.rst out of docs/user --- docs/index.rst | 1 + docs/own-instance.rst | 79 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ docs/user/index.rst | 1 - docs/user/own-instance.rst | 79 ---------------------------------------------- 4 files changed, 80 insertions(+), 80 deletions(-) create mode 100644 docs/own-instance.rst delete mode 100644 docs/user/own-instance.rst diff --git a/docs/index.rst b/docs/index.rst index f9800f95b..b836f4b4c 100644 --- a/docs/index.rst +++ b/docs/index.rst @@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ If you don't trust anyone, you can set up your own, see :ref:`installation`. :caption: Contents user/index + own-instance admin/index dev/index utils/index diff --git a/docs/own-instance.rst b/docs/own-instance.rst new file mode 100644 index 000000000..c53f28307 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/own-instance.rst @@ -0,0 +1,79 @@ +=========================== +Why use a private instance? +=========================== + + *"Is it worth to run my own instance?"* + +\.\. is a common question among SearXNG users. Before answering this question, +see what options a SearXNG user has. + +Public instances are open to everyone who has access to its URL. Usually, these +are operated by unknown parties (from the users' point of view). Private +instances can be used by a select group of people. It is for example a SearXNG of +group of friends or a company which can be accessed through VPN. Also it can be +single user one which runs on the user's laptop. + +To gain more insight on how these instances work let's dive into how SearXNG +protects its users. + +How does SearXNG protect privacy? +================================= + +SearXNG protects the privacy of its users in multiple ways regardless of the type +of the instance (private, public). Removal of private data from search requests +comes in three forms: + + 1. removal of private data from requests going to search services + 2. not forwarding anything from a third party services through search services + (e.g. advertisement) + 3. removal of private data from requests going to the result pages + +Removing private data means not sending cookies to external search engines and +generating a random browser profile for every request. Thus, it does not matter +if a public or private instance handles the request, because it is anonymized in +both cases. IP addresses will be the IP of the instance. But SearXNG can be +configured to use proxy or Tor. `Result proxy +`__ is supported, too. + +SearXNG does not serve ads or tracking content unlike most search services. So +private data is not forwarded to third parties who might monetize it. Besides +protecting users from search services, both referring page and search query are +hidden from visited result pages. + + +What are the consequences of using public instances? +---------------------------------------------------- + +If someone uses a public instance, they have to trust the administrator of that +instance. This means that the user of the public instance does not know whether +their requests are logged, aggregated and sent or sold to a third party. + +Also, public instances without proper protection are more vulnerable to abusing +the search service, In this case the external service in exchange returns +CAPTCHAs or bans the IP of the instance. Thus, search requests return less +results. + +I see. What about private instances? +------------------------------------ + +If users run their :ref:`own instances `, everything is in their +control: the source code, logging settings and private data. Unknown instance +administrators do not have to be trusted. + +Furthermore, as the default settings of their instance is editable, there is no +need to use cookies to tailor SearXNG to their needs. So preferences will not be +reset to defaults when clearing browser cookies. As settings are stored on +their computer, it will not be accessible to others as long as their computer is +not compromised. + +Conclusion +========== + +Always use an instance which is operated by people you trust. The privacy +features of SearXNG are available to users no matter what kind of instance they +use. + +If someone is on the go or just wants to try SearXNG for the first time public +instances are the best choices. Additionally, public instance are making a +world a better place, because those who cannot or do not want to run an +instance, have access to a privacy respecting search service. diff --git a/docs/user/index.rst b/docs/user/index.rst index 96d11bf8a..0cdb7310c 100644 --- a/docs/user/index.rst +++ b/docs/user/index.rst @@ -7,4 +7,3 @@ User documentation :caption: Contents search_syntax - own-instance diff --git a/docs/user/own-instance.rst b/docs/user/own-instance.rst deleted file mode 100644 index c53f28307..000000000 --- a/docs/user/own-instance.rst +++ /dev/null @@ -1,79 +0,0 @@ -=========================== -Why use a private instance? -=========================== - - *"Is it worth to run my own instance?"* - -\.\. is a common question among SearXNG users. Before answering this question, -see what options a SearXNG user has. - -Public instances are open to everyone who has access to its URL. Usually, these -are operated by unknown parties (from the users' point of view). Private -instances can be used by a select group of people. It is for example a SearXNG of -group of friends or a company which can be accessed through VPN. Also it can be -single user one which runs on the user's laptop. - -To gain more insight on how these instances work let's dive into how SearXNG -protects its users. - -How does SearXNG protect privacy? -================================= - -SearXNG protects the privacy of its users in multiple ways regardless of the type -of the instance (private, public). Removal of private data from search requests -comes in three forms: - - 1. removal of private data from requests going to search services - 2. not forwarding anything from a third party services through search services - (e.g. advertisement) - 3. removal of private data from requests going to the result pages - -Removing private data means not sending cookies to external search engines and -generating a random browser profile for every request. Thus, it does not matter -if a public or private instance handles the request, because it is anonymized in -both cases. IP addresses will be the IP of the instance. But SearXNG can be -configured to use proxy or Tor. `Result proxy -`__ is supported, too. - -SearXNG does not serve ads or tracking content unlike most search services. So -private data is not forwarded to third parties who might monetize it. Besides -protecting users from search services, both referring page and search query are -hidden from visited result pages. - - -What are the consequences of using public instances? ----------------------------------------------------- - -If someone uses a public instance, they have to trust the administrator of that -instance. This means that the user of the public instance does not know whether -their requests are logged, aggregated and sent or sold to a third party. - -Also, public instances without proper protection are more vulnerable to abusing -the search service, In this case the external service in exchange returns -CAPTCHAs or bans the IP of the instance. Thus, search requests return less -results. - -I see. What about private instances? ------------------------------------- - -If users run their :ref:`own instances `, everything is in their -control: the source code, logging settings and private data. Unknown instance -administrators do not have to be trusted. - -Furthermore, as the default settings of their instance is editable, there is no -need to use cookies to tailor SearXNG to their needs. So preferences will not be -reset to defaults when clearing browser cookies. As settings are stored on -their computer, it will not be accessible to others as long as their computer is -not compromised. - -Conclusion -========== - -Always use an instance which is operated by people you trust. The privacy -features of SearXNG are available to users no matter what kind of instance they -use. - -If someone is on the go or just wants to try SearXNG for the first time public -instances are the best choices. Additionally, public instance are making a -world a better place, because those who cannot or do not want to run an -instance, have access to a privacy respecting search service. -- cgit v1.2.3