'Transparent' Search Tool Sets Jan. 7 Launch

The founder of Wikipedia has set Jan. 7 as the launch date for his new search engine, Wikia, according to a report in The Washington Post. The site, which is already operating in beta, hopes to challenge search giant Google by distinguishing itself through four organizing principles:

1. Transparency. Openness in how the systems and algorithms operate, both in the form of open source licenses and open content.
2. Community. Everyone is able to contribute in some way (as individuals or entire organizations), strong social and community focus.
3. Quality. Significantly improve the relevancy and accuracy of search results and the searching experience.
4. Privacy. Must be protected, do not store or transmit any identifying data.

[Via Slashdot.]