Introduction to Ecosia’s New Search Results
Ecosia, a search engine known for its environmental mission, has taken a significant step towards independence by delivering its own search results for the first time in its 16-year history. This change is currently being implemented for users in France, who will now receive a portion of their search results from a new European search index developed jointly with Qwant, another European search engine.
Current Implementation and Timeline
The rollout of Ecosia’s new search results marks the first implementation of the European Search Perspective (EUSP) joint venture. EUSP has created Staan (Search Trusted API Access Network), a privacy-focused search infrastructure designed specifically for Europe. French users are now receiving search results directly from EUSP’s independent European index. By the end of 2025, Ecosia aims to serve 30% of French search queries through this new infrastructure.
According to Christian Kroll, CEO of Ecosia, "Having our own search infrastructure is a critical step for digital plurality and for building a sovereign European alternative. With more control over our offering, we can better serve users, develop ethical AI, and double down on our mission to build tech that benefits people and the planet." This move is seen as a significant step towards reducing reliance on digital infrastructure controlled by foreign companies.
Technical Independence and Its Benefits
Historically, Ecosia and Qwant have relied on syndication platforms from major US tech companies. However, the new infrastructure allows both companies to deliver results independently and make backend improvements without relying on external providers. This technical independence is crucial for developing ethical AI and ensuring that user data is protected.
Open Index for Growth and Innovation
The EUSP index is not limited to Ecosia and Qwant; it is open to other companies building search or generative AI tools. This openness is designed to foster competition and innovation in Europe while maintaining strong privacy protections. Unlike Ecosia’s steward-owned model, where 99.99% of shares belong to a foundation, the EUSP index is structured to allow outside investment, making it more accessible to a broader range of participants.
Kroll emphasized that the goal of this initiative is not just about improving search results but about creating the freedom to build and shape the future of tech in Europe. By providing an open and scalable infrastructure, EUSP aims to support a diverse range of companies and projects, contributing to a more vibrant and innovative tech ecosystem in Europe.
Looking Ahead to a More Diverse Search Landscape
The partnership between Ecosia and Qwant could lead to more diversity in how European users access and interact with search. While the initial rollout is limited to France, the infrastructure is designed to scale and support other companies and markets over time. This could potentially lead to a more competitive and dynamic search market in Europe, offering users a wider range of choices and experiences.
Conclusion
Ecosia’s move to deliver its own search results marks a significant milestone in its history and a major step towards achieving digital sovereignty in Europe. By developing its own search infrastructure and opening it up to other companies, Ecosia and its partners are paving the way for a more independent, innovative, and privacy-focused tech industry in Europe. As this initiative continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how it impacts the broader search landscape and the future of tech in Europe.