MetaGer search engine

MetaGer is a privacy-centric meta search engine that was developed in Germany. It was originally created in 1996 through a collaboration between the University of Hannover and the non-profit organization SUMA-EV (Association for Free Access to Knowledge). Unlike traditional search engines, MetaGer does not track user behavior or store personal data, serving as a middleware that queries other search engines anonymously on behalf of the user.

The search engine is officially operated and maintained by SUMA-EV, which remains headquartered in Hannover, Germany. As a non-profit entity, its ownership structure differs from commercial tech giants, focusing on digital sovereignty and open-source development rather than shareholder profit. The platform is primarily funded through donations, memberships, and ethical advertising. Its infrastructure is hosted in Germany, ensuring that it operates under strict German and European data protection laws.