About Qwant

Qwant, founded in 2013 by Éric Leandri, is a French search engine designed with a strong emphasis on privacy. It was developed to offer a European alternative to Google, with a commitment to not tracking users or collecting their personal data. The French government and various European institutions have backed Qwant as a privacy-friendly option for internet users concerned about data collection.

Qwant uses its own search engine infrastructure to deliver results while protecting user privacy. It does not store search histories, profile users, or rely on targeted advertising. Qwant’s interface is divided into categories such as web, news, and social, making it easy to navigate and discover relevant content. The search engine also incorporates an AI-driven music search feature and provides localized content for European users.

Qwant has gained a foothold in the European market, particularly in France, where it is viewed as a privacy-first alternative to major search engines like Google. Although its global market share remains small, Qwant is increasingly used in government institutions and educational settings in Europe. The company continues to focus on privacy, making it a key player in Europe’s push for data protection.

Qwant Timeline

• 2013: Qwant was launched in France, positioning itself as a privacy-focused search engine that did not track users or use personalized advertising. It aimed to offer a neutral search experience while competing with major players like Google in the European market.
• 2015: Qwant gained attention and support from the French government and other European entities, who saw it as a valuable alternative to U.S.-based search engines. This support helped Qwant expand its reach and improve its search capabilities.
• 2018: Qwant partnered with Mozilla, making it an integrated search option in the Firefox browser. It also launched a Qwant Junior version designed for children, focusing on safe and educational content.
• 2020: Qwant introduced new features and enhancements, such as Qwant Maps, a privacy-focused map service. It also faced challenges in scaling its operations and maintaining financial stability but remained committed to its privacy-first mission.
• 2023: Qwant continued to hold a niche market share in France and some European countries, offering a privacy-respecting alternative to mainstream search engines. It maintained its focus on transparency and user control over data.
• Legacy: Qwant represents a European effort to challenge the dominance of Google and provide users with privacy-focused search options. Its commitment to user privacy and data sovereignty has made it a notable player among alternative search engines.

The adventure isn’t over yet—explore another search engine timeline. Searx: An Open Source Meta Search Engine for Enhanced Privacy