Search Engine Cuil.com Sets Sights on Dethroning Google

SAN FRANCISCO — One of Google’s first major competitors in awhile has emerged from within its own ranks.

Three former Google employees have unveiled a new search engine called Cuil.com, pronounced "cool."

The site hits the web with $33 million in venture capital and a starting index of 120 billion web pages. It also boasts three former Google staff members among its top ranks, including VP of Engineering Anna Patterson, co-founder Russell Power and Vice President of Product Louis Monier.

The startup has assumed an aggressive posture, claiming that its 120 billion-page index is triple the size of Google's – a claim that's impossible to verify since Google stopped publicizing the size of its index almost three years ago.

Also, Google spokesperson Katie Watson said that her company's index remains the largest.

But that's not Cuil's only professed advantage. The Cuil team says that their technology lets them catalog more of the Internet using far fewer computers than Google.

For adult industry professionals, Cuil presents an intriguing alternative. First, the site doesn't retain any information about users' search activity, which Google does.

Second, Cuil provides users with a safe-search filter that, when enabled, blocks any adult content.

But the biggest contrast between Google and Cuil is seen by simply using it. As opposed to Google's austere lists of search results, Cuil presents its listings in three columns, with pictures and a full paragraph of descriptive text. Also displayed among the search results is a module that offers subcategories for the search term.

So how well does Cuil search the Internet?

Most leading tech blogs have been testing Cuil against Google with the verdict so far being in Google's favor.

• TechCrunch reported that Google is so far returning more results that are more relevant.
• The Industry Standard noted that Cuil is not handling location-based searches very well.
• ReadWriteWeb criticized Cuil based on some unusual results they received for related links.

A quick test of Cuil suggested that the site should acquire more servers – searches for simple terms took a minute to load. In addition results for some general adult industry terms – porn, sex, etc. – returned markedly different results than Google. If Cuil were to become a major competitor to Google, industry experts in search-engine optimization would have a whole new problem to solve.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More