Kagi brings its ‘small web’ of a human-only internet to mobile devices

In an era where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the online landscape, Kagi, a search engine based in Palo Alto, is reintroducing a collection of curated, human-created websites to mobile users through its latest 'Small Web' applications for both iOS and Android. This 'Small Web' concept encompasses a variety of individually crafted sites, such as personal blogs, independent videos, webcomics, and more, reminiscent of the early days of the internet before it was overtaken by corporate-controlled, ad-driven platforms. The initiative, launched in 2023, aims to highlight these often-overlooked online gems that are becoming increasingly difficult to find amid the prevalence of AI-generated content. Kagi first unveiled its vision for the 'Small Web' to promote quality content through its search results and a dedicated website. In March, the company announced the expansion of this initiative to include mobile applications and browser extensions, allowing users to filter content by category. Kagi's 'Small Web' site functions similarly to a modern-day StumbleUpon, presenting users with a random selection of curated sites, with a simple 'next' button to explore further. This feature encourages users to discover hidden corners of the internet that they might not encounter otherwise. With over 30,000 entries in Kagi's index, users can also refine their search by specific interests, selecting from categories such as videos, blogs, code repositories, or comics. The mobile apps and extensions provide additional functionality, allowing users to view a list of popular or recently accessed sites, read content in a distraction-free environment, and save favorite pages for later exploration. However, while Kagi's efforts to bring attention to lesser-known parts of the indie web are commendable, some users have voiced concerns about the selection criteria. According to discussions on Hacker News, Kagi's focus on sites with RSS feeds and recent updates may exclude unique or experimental websites from its collection. Despite these criticisms, the concept of a human-curated web remains compelling, particularly as Kagi strives to offer an alternative to mainstream search engines like Google. Users can contribute to the 'Small Web' by suggesting new sites through Kagi’s GitHub page, fostering a community-driven approach to enhancing the online experience.