Ecosia and Qwant Collaborate to Challenge Google

In a strategic move to reduce reliance on major U.S. tech companies, European search engines Ecosia and Qwant have announced a partnership to develop their own search index. This initiative, named the European Search Perspective (EUSP), aims to provide an independent alternative to existing search technologies and enhance digital sovereignty within Europe.

Key Aspects of the Collaboration:

• Joint Venture Formation: EUSP will be equally owned by Ecosia and Qwant, with plans to launch in France by early 2025. The venture seeks to deliver enhanced search results in French and German, catering to regional linguistic nuances.
  International Business Times
• Technological Independence: Currently, both companies rely on existing technologies from firms like Microsoft to deliver search results. By developing their own search index, Ecosia and Qwant aim to lessen dependence on U.S. tech giants and offer a privacy-focused search solution.
  International Business Times
• Regulatory Support: The project benefits from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, which mandates fair access to big tech platforms. This regulatory framework facilitates the development of new search models by requiring data sharing from dominant firms.
  International Business Times

Statements from Company Leaders:

• Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia: “We’re proud to build a search index in Europe and excited to mark the next stage of our push towards more autonomy and diversity.”
  Betterweb
• Olivier Abecassis, CEO of Qwant: “This is a supercharged partnership between two responsible, renowned European brands, with privacy and climate impact at their heart.”
  Betterweb

This collaboration represents a significant step towards diversifying the search engine market and promoting competition, particularly in the European context. By focusing on privacy and regional relevance, Ecosia and Qwant aim to offer users an alternative to the dominant search platforms.