The European Parliament is switching from Google to France’s Qwant search engine over privacy concerns.
According to an internal document obtained by POLITICO, starting June 4, Qwant will replace Google as the default search engine on the European Parliament’s computers. The decision is said to be in line with the Parliament’s policy on digital sovereignty and the protection of users’ personal data.
Qwant is presented as a European-origin search engine that does not track users or collect personal data. Searches made from the address bar in Firefox and Edge browsers will automatically be routed to Qwant. However, MEPs will be able to use other search engines and change their default settings if they wish.
The decision comes amid the European Union’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology companies and strengthen local alternatives. In November last year, a group of 38 MEPs appealed to the Parliament’s leadership and proposed a phased withdrawal from Microsoft and other foreign technologies.
