Releasing Searcher, a Configurable, Privacy-Minded Chromium Extension to Trigger Random Searches

Published on Mar 31, 2026, filed under tools, misc. (Share this post, e.g., on Mastodon or on Bluesky.)

As part of my brand-new IA Defensa family of mini defense tools, Searcher Chromium is a configurable and extensible browser extension that automatically enters and can trigger searches on Google, Amazon, and almost any other site with a search field.

The capability makes it costlier to invade your privacy and harder to deduce something from your search behavior.

Screenshot of the Facebook search field, filled with the words “vitamin today.” — Random unsubmitted search query on Facebook.

The extension does not collect or share any data with me or third parties. It’s free for personal use, at your own discretion and risk. Please report issues and leave suggestions in the IA Defensa forum.

About Me

I’m Jens (long: Jens Oliver Meiert), and I’m an engineering lead, guerrilla philosopher, and indie publisher. I’ve worked as a technical lead and engineering manager at various companies, including Google; I’m an open-source developer and a contributor to web standards (like HTML, CSS, WCAG); and I write and review books for O’Reilly and Frontend Dogma.

I love trying things, not only in web development and engineering management, but also with respect to politics and philosophy. Here on meiert.com I talk about some of my experiences and perspectives. (Please share feedback—interpret charitably, keep it friendly, but do be critical.)