Startpage isn't an actual search engine, it's just a wrapper around Google's results. That's not the case with Qwant, Yandex, or Baidu as far as I know.

Also, this: https://reclaimthenet.org/startpage-buyout-ad-tech-company/

there was a scandal where it was shown qwant had its search result from bing

not holding my breath

DDG seems like a good contender

Quant only exists in order to receive all that sweet, sweet grant money.

Also Seznam (Czech). They have also asorted related services, like video streaming, an auction site, shopping aggregator, etc.

Startpage recently sold out to System1, an ad tech company.

I would not recommend it anymore.

TIL surveillance is an inherent effect of tech on society.