The short version
SearchGoat does not require an account. Search queries and the citation checker’s initial document analysis happen inside your browser. SearchGoat does not maintain a database of your searches or uploaded academic work.
What happens to a query
When you press Search, your browser creates a destination URL and opens the selected third-party provider in a new tab. The query is sent to that provider, not submitted to a SearchGoat search database.
Citation checker documents
The initial DOCX or PDF check and corrected Word-file generation run locally in your browser. The document is kept in temporary browser memory only while the page is open; it is not uploaded to SearchGoat storage. Closing or resetting the checker removes the working copy from the page. Do not select confidential material on a shared device.
Optional Crossref verification
If you choose Format and verify references or Download corrected Word, SearchGoat sends up to 50 individual bibliography entries—not the complete document—to Crossref to look for published metadata. Crossref's own privacy and service terms apply to those requests.
Recent searches
Up to five recent queries can be saved in your browser’s local storage to make repeat searching easier. This history stays on that browser and device. Use the Clear button in the search panel—or clear the site’s browser data—to remove it.
Third-party search providers
Google, Brave, DuckDuckGo, Bing and the other listed destinations have their own privacy policies, cookies and data practices. Once you open a provider, its terms and privacy policy apply. SearchGoat does not control those services.
Analytics and advertising
SearchGoat uses Google Analytics 4 to understand information such as visited pages, approximate region, device type and visit duration. SearchGoat does not deliberately send search terms or uploaded document contents to Analytics. Google's privacy terms apply to Analytics processing. SearchGoat does not currently use an advertising network.
Questions
For privacy questions, email syedimranpatel@hotmail.com. Do not send passwords, unpublished documents, identity numbers, medical records or other sensitive information by email.