What's Happening?
European search engines Qwant and Ecosia have launched Staan, a new search index developed through their joint venture, European Search Perspective (EUSP). This initiative aims to provide a privacy-focused and cost-effective alternative to major search engines like Google and Bing. The index is designed to serve a significant portion of search queries in France and Germany by the end of the year. Staan is also being positioned as a cheaper option for enabling search within apps, particularly targeting AI chatbots.
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Why It's Important?
The launch of Staan represents a significant move towards reducing European reliance on U.S. technology stacks, especially in the wake of political uncertainties. By offering a privacy-friendly search solution, Qwant and Ecosia aim to protect European digital infrastructure from external influences. This development could impact various sectors, including journalism and climate tech, by providing an independent search platform that aligns with European privacy laws.
What's Next?
EUSP plans to expand the adoption of Staan by engaging with companies to integrate the index into their applications. The focus will be on AI features and deep research capabilities, offering a competitive edge against existing solutions. The initiative underscores the urgency for Europe to develop its own tech stack, independent of U.S. and Chinese technologies.
