Open Arsenal

Open code. Honest search.

OpenCrawler is an open-source search engine designed to rebuild web discovery around transparency, trust, and user control. Instead of relying on opaque ranking systems or hidden data practices, it focuses on making every part of search explainable and auditable. The goal is to give users clear insight into why results appear, how they are ranked, and what data (if any) is used during a search.

At the core of OpenCrawler is the FairRank™ engine, a transparent ranking system that evaluates results using a balanced mix of relevance, trust signals, freshness, local relevance, content quality, and user utility. Each result can optionally display a breakdown of why it was ranked, helping users understand the reasoning behind search ordering rather than guessing at hidden algorithms. This approach reduces manipulation while increasing confidence in the results shown.

Another major feature is the AI-powered business verification module, which analyzes public records and licensing data to help identify whether a business is legitimate. This system can surface verification indicators such as active registration status, matching entity information, and potential risk flags. It is designed to help users make more informed decisions when searching for local services or businesses, reducing exposure to scams or misleading listings.

OpenCrawler also includes a consent-based location module that never accesses user location without explicit permission. Queries like “near me” trigger a clear prompt where users choose how their location is used, if at all, with options for one-time access, session-based access, or manual location entry. Users can disable location immediately after any search, ensuring full control over geographic data at all times.

To further strengthen privacy, OpenCrawler encrypts all stored user data by default. Search history, preferences, and sensitive system data are protected using encryption both in transit and at rest, with optional enhanced privacy modes for stricter control. Combined with human-in-the-loop decision making and transparent system behavior, OpenCrawler is designed to function as a privacy-first, trust-oriented alternative to traditional search engines.