DDG is nice initiative. The problem is that it does not solve any problem related to privacy because it is based on a matter of trust.
Distributed search, similar to bittorrent, DHT-based designs and the like are notoriously difficult.
I've participated in such efforts, like the Seeks Project [1], Yacy [2], and related initiatives like Unhosted [3], and it takes a certain amount of dedication (and suffering ;) ).
However, I believe it is not entirely impossible that we see a true alternative sometimes. From what experience, what is needed is a slightly better set of distributed algorithms, a business model with the ability to sustain such a technical effort, and a range of features that no search engine can yet offer (because centralized).
Probably none yet, unfortunately. Seeks is usable because it relies on Google or any other engine in the background, when no results are available among peers.
Yacy is more advanced, uses a DHT, but does not really work for daily use, the accuracy being too low.
Unhosted is distributed architecture on top of the Web really. I've mentioned it because it may be useful and/or an inspiration to whoever interested in these matters.
Distributed search, similar to bittorrent, DHT-based designs and the like are notoriously difficult.
I've participated in such efforts, like the Seeks Project [1], Yacy [2], and related initiatives like Unhosted [3], and it takes a certain amount of dedication (and suffering ;) ).
However, I believe it is not entirely impossible that we see a true alternative sometimes. From what experience, what is needed is a slightly better set of distributed algorithms, a business model with the ability to sustain such a technical effort, and a range of features that no search engine can yet offer (because centralized).
[1] http://www.seeks-project.info/ [2] http://www.yacy.net/ [3] https://www.unhosted.org/