Privacy Policy

1. Data We Collect

QueckSilver Search is built to need as little data as possible. We do not require an account to search. When you submit a query, we process the query text itself plus basic technical data such as browser locale and request metadata needed to deliver results. We do not build advertising profiles and we never sell your personal data.

2. Legal Basis for Processing

We process personal data on the following legal bases in accordance with the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (DSG):

• Performance of contract: processing your query is necessary to return the search results you requested.
• Legitimate interest: technical request and error data is processed to keep the service secure, fast and functional.
• Consent: optional features such as saved pages and local search history only store data after you choose to use them.

3. How We Use Your Data

Query data is used to retrieve web, image, video, news and shopping results and to generate the optional AI overview shown above the results. We do not use your queries to target advertising and we do not link searches to a personal identity.

4. Third-Party Service Providers

To operate the service we rely on the following categories of processors, which are contractually bound to process data only as instructed:

• Search index provider: your query is forwarded to an external independent search index to retrieve results.
• AI model providers: for the AI overview, your query and short result snippets are transmitted to an external AI provider that returns a summary and does not use the input for independent training without consent.
• Infrastructure providers: hosting, edge runtime and delivery services process technical data such as IP addresses and request metadata.

We do not sell personal data to any third party.

5. International Data Transfers

Some providers process data outside Switzerland, including in the United States. Such transfers rely on appropriate safeguards, for example standard contractual clauses recognised under Swiss data protection law.

6. Storage & Security

Data in transit is encrypted with TLS. Search queries are not stored in a user-linked search log on our servers; your shortcuts, saved pages and local history stay in your browser unless you explicitly sign in to sync them.

7. Data Retention

• Query data: processed transiently to return results and not retained in an identifiable form.
• Technical logs: retained for up to 90 days for security and debugging, then deleted.
• Anonymised usage data: may be retained indefinitely as it cannot be linked back to you.

8. Cookies & Local Storage

We use technically necessary storage only: your start page shortcuts, saved pages and preferences are kept in your browser's local storage. There are no advertising or cross-site tracking cookies. You can clear this data at any time in your browser or on the search settings page.

9. Your Rights

Under the Swiss DSG you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of access: request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Right to rectification: request correction of inaccurate data.
• Right to erasure: request deletion of your personal data.
• Right to data portability: request your data in a machine-readable format.
• Right to object: object to processing based on legitimate interest.

To exercise these rights, contact support@quecksilver.ch. We respond within 30 days.

10. Third-Party Results and AI Output

Search results link to websites operated by third parties, and AI overviews are generated automatically. QueckSilver accepts no liability for third-party content or AI-generated summaries, which may be inaccurate or incomplete. Always verify important information at the source.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy. Significant changes will be announced on this page with a revised date; continued use after an update constitutes acknowledgement of the change.

12. Contact

For privacy questions write to support@quecksilver.ch or see our Imprint.