The European Parliament will abandon Google – internal systems will switch to Qwant
The European Parliament will stop using Google as the default search engine on its internal computers and replace it with the French service Qwant. This is reported by Politico citing internal documents of the institution.
According to the information, starting Thursday, June 4, Qwant will become the default search engine on work devices in the European Parliament. This is stated in an email message reviewed by the publication. The change is explained by the institution's commitments to digital sovereignty and the protection of users' personal data.
Qwant is a European search engine that positions itself as a service with enhanced privacy and without user tracking. It was created in 2013 as an alternative to large American platforms.
After the changes are implemented, search queries entered through the address bars of Firefox and Edge browsers on internal devices will be automatically redirected through Qwant. At the same time, users will retain the ability to change the search engine independently.
The decision was made against the backdrop of the EU's strengthening policy on technological sovereignty and reducing dependence on foreign digital companies. The European Commission is expected to present a new package of measures aimed at developing European technological alternatives.
In recent months, some Members of the European Parliament have also called for reducing dependence on software from American companies, including Microsoft, considering this a matter of the EU's strategic security.
Subscribe to our Telegram channel t.me/sudua and to Google News SUD.UA, as well as to our VIBER and WhatsApp, our page on Facebook and on Instagram to stay informed about the most important events.
