I don’t think that means what you think that means.

It’s more privacy focussed than Google, but less than others. Personally I use Ecosia at work and Qwant at home.

https://www.ecosia.org/privacy

He does say ‘irrational’ fear and it was during an ice breaker, I’d take it as wholesome since it wouldn’t have been a really serious situation when it was revealed.

Possibility different if they had brought in real hammerhead sharks. Also, if he’d been attacked by a hammerhead shark, but being an irrational fear I’m guessing not.