The European Parliament has decided to replace Google with Qwant, a French search engine that promises not to store personal data. The measure sounds like digital sovereignty and privacy, but there's a catch: MEPs can still use Google if they wish. It is voluntary, not mandatory. While they choose, European citizens remain trapped in Google, Meta, and Amazon with no real alternatives or clear information. A symbolic gesture that does not hide the real dependency.
Real digital sovereignty: educate, regulate, and invest in own infrastructure 🛡️
Digital sovereignty is not achieved by changing the office search engine. It requires technological education from schools, effective regulation to limit the power of big tech companies, and investment in own infrastructure such as data centers and alternative networks. Without these pillars, any change is cosmetic. The European Parliament signs million-dollar contracts with Amazon and Microsoft while promoting a French search engine. The contradiction is evident: what is urgent is the photo op, what is important continues to wait.
Search engine change: the gesture that bothers no one 🤷
MEPs now have Qwant on their computers, but they can open Chrome when no one is looking. It is like going on a diet but leaving the fridge full of chocolate. The measure does not oblige, does not hurt, and does not alter contracts with major American tech companies. Meanwhile, citizens still cannot decide about our data. The Parliament has taken a step, yes, but sideways. Real digital sovereignty remains in line, waiting for someone to take education, regulation, and investment seriously.