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Ecosia, Qwant partner on search engine tech to counter Google’s power

Ecosia and Qwant Team Up to Create New European Search Index

New venture targets independence from U.S. tech giants and enhances user privacy

LISBON, Portugal — In a significant move against the dominance of U.S. tech firms, alternative search engines Ecosia and Qwant have announced their partnership to establish a new European search index aimed at improving search results for French and German speakers. This venture, called the European Search Perspective (EUSP), is set to officially launch in France in early 2025.

A Strategic Alliance for European Innovation

Ecosia, headquartered in Berlin, and Qwant, based in Paris, have agreed to split ownership of the EUSP evenly. The collaboration comes at a time when alternative search engines such as Ecosia and Qwant face increasing reliance on major U.S. companies, particularly Microsoft, to access backend search technologies. This joint initiative is designed not only to enhance the quality of search results but also to solidify digital sovereignty in Europe.

"We are European companies," said Olivier Abecassis, CEO of Qwant. "We need to build technology that ensures no third-party decisions could jeopardize our business." This quote underscores the commitment both companies have to reducing their dependence on external tech resources.

Meeting the Challenges of a Dominated Market

As it stands, Google controls over 90% of the global search market, leaving alternative providers in a precarious position. Both Ecosia and Qwant acknowledged the critical necessity of developing their own infrastructure to ensure future prosperity. The new search index aims to be "privacy-first," leveraging enhanced technologies from Qwant designed specifically for this venture.

"The new index will give us the opportunity to amass search results from various sources, ensuring a diverse and high-quality user experience," stated Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia. This restructuring will allow both firms to offer a service that prioritizes user privacy by not tracking or reselling personal data, which is a cornerstone of Qwant’s business model.

Regulatory Backing Through the Digital Markets Act

The emergence of this project has been bolstered by recent competition regulations, specifically the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates fair access to tech platforms by large tech players. This regulatory framework, enforced throughout the European Union, requires companies like Google to share essential data to foster the growth of independent entities.

"The success of the EUSP project is particularly tied to the recent tech-focused competition rules in the EU," Kroll elaborated. "These guidelines create an environment where we can build a robust search model without being overly dependent on U.S. tech infrastructures."

A Shift Toward AI and Future Prospects

In the face of a rapidly evolving tech landscape, Ecosia and Qwant recognize the upcoming paradigm shift toward generative AI technologies. As the popularity of AI-driven applications like OpenAI’s ChatGPT grows, so does the demand for quality search indexes. "You need access to a good index to develop advanced AI tools," Kroll noted, emphasizing the importance of this initiative in preparing for future technology needs.

The planning for the European Search Perspective aligns with a broader desire among Europeans to reduce dependency on U.S. technology, especially in light of historical geopolitical tensions. Abecassis highlighted the vital need for European sovereignty in technology, referencing the disruption of energy supplies during the conflict between Russia and Ukraine as a cautionary tale.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Consumers and the Tech Industry

The planned launch of the new search index is poised to transform not just how users interact with online information but also the competitive landscape of the technology industry in Europe. With an emphasis on privacy and independence from established tech giants, Ecosia and Qwant may well set a precedent for how future search engines operate.

This collaboration serves as a beacon for other European tech companies seeking to distance themselves from American influence and prioritize user-centered policies. As they forge ahead, one key question remains: Will this new search index be enough to challenge the existing search giants and change the way users think about their online privacy?

As this initiative unfolds, the tech community eagerly anticipates the outcomes. What are your thoughts on the European Search Perspective? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your insights on the future of search technology.

For further reading, check out TechCrunch’s analysis of the Digital Markets Act or Wired’s coverage of AI in search technologies.

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