Key facts
- European Parliament will stop using Google Search as default from June 4.
- French search engine Qwant will become the default for EU officials and lawmakers.
- Decision reflects EU efforts to reduce reliance on U.S. Big Tech.
- Officials can still choose to use other search engines.
The European Parliament has decided to replace Google Search with the French search engine Qwant as the default for its officials and lawmakers on official computers, effective June 4. This decision is part of a broader trend of the European Union seeking to reduce its dependence on U.S. Big Tech companies and assert greater control over digital services and data. The EU has previously imposed significant fines on Google, including a $5 billion antitrust penalty, and has raised concerns about preferential treatment for Google's services on Android. While officials will retain the ability to use alternative search engines or modify their settings, the shift signifies a move towards promoting European technology alternatives.