European Parliament replaces Google with Qwant for privacy

Key facts

• The European Parliament will switch its default search engine to Qwant.
• The switch from Google to Qwant will occur on June 4, 2026.
• Qwant is a privacy-focused European search engine.
• The European Parliament has approximately 720 lawmakers.
• The move aims to reduce reliance on U.S. tech providers.
• The decision aligns with the EU's digital sovereignty goals.
• The EU is exploring alternatives to U.S. and Chinese social media platforms.
• Concerns about social media platforms include opaque algorithms, minor protection, hate speech, and disinformation.

The European Parliament is set to replace Google Search with Qwant as its default search engine, a transition scheduled to take effect on June 4, 2026. Qwant, a European search engine emphasizing privacy, will be adopted by the Parliament's 720 lawmakers and its thousands of staff members. This strategic shift is framed within the European Union's larger objectives of bolstering digital sovereignty and decreasing reliance on major technology providers based in the United States.