European Parliament replaces Google with Qwant for privacy

The European Parliament is set to replace Google with Qwant, a Franco-German-backed search engine, as the default tool on its in-house computers starting June 4. This decision affects approximately 720 lawmakers and thousands of administrative staff. Qwant, owned by Synfonium, is described as a privacy-focused European search engine designed to avoid tracking users or collecting personal data. The switch is being conducted in line with the Parliament's commitment to digital sovereignty and the protection of users' personal data. This move occurs as the European Commission unveiled a tech sovereignty package aimed at reducing reliance on foreign technology providers and strengthening European alternatives. Critics argue that such measures could lead to digital protectionism and fragment the global internet.