Qwant: The privacy-friendly search engine

What is Qwant?

Qwant is a French search engine that was launched in July 2013.

Its philosophy is centered around respecting the privacy of users, thus opposing research giants that monetize personal data.

Qwant offers an open door to the vast universe of the Internet, including traditional web pages, fresh news, social platforms, shopping opportunities and media content, all without tracing your digital journey.

• Confidentiality : Qwant is committed not to collect your personal data or trace your browsing, thus ensuring a private search experience.
• Extended search : Access a multitude of content - from web pages to social networks to news and buying opportunities.
• European perspective : Offers an alternative to dominant search engines, while complying with strict European privacy standards.
• User friendly interface : The Qwant interface is designed to be simple and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for non-tech-savvy users.
• Continuous innovation : Qwant continues to innovate by integrating new functionalities to make online research more efficient and enjoyable.

Qwant is a breath of fresh air in a field that is often saturated by the collection of intrusive data.

It is a platform that invites you to rediscover the web from a prism of confidentiality and integrity, ensuring that your digital curiosity remains a personal matter.

Qwant features

Qwant is a search engine that claims to be the European defender of privacy.

But beyond the nice promises, what is the real situation on the ground?

Let's take a critical look at its features.

1. Protection of personal data

Respect for privacy is Qwant's main focus.

• No Tracking : the French search engine guarantees the anonymity of searches, a refreshing approach in a curious digital world.
• No Personal Data Registration : Your information remains inviolable, a strong value proposition in these times of digital surveillance.

2. Universal Research

Qwant aspires to centralize access to search results on a single platform.

• Extended search : The ability to search results on the web, news, social networks and shopping platforms is remarkable.
• Global vision : It offers an overview of the information available on a given topic, which is a significant time saver.

3. Chrome Expansion: Qwant ViPrivacy

The Qwant ViPrivacy extension for the Chrome web browser reinforces privacy while browsing.

• Blocking Trackers and Cookies : Prevents access to ad trackers, tracking tags, and analytics modules.
• Default Search Engine : Qwant becomes your default engine, ensuring a search without tracking.
• Fewer Cookies : Reduces intrusive cookie banners on most sites visited.
• Open-Source : Increased transparency thanks to the publication of the extension's source code.

The extension of web browser represents one more step by Qwant towards private and transparent web browsing.

4. Qwant Junior

A commendable initiative for the protection of young online users.

• Safe Browsing : A safe environment for young users, filtering out inappropriate content.
• Encouraging Education : It encourages learning and discovery while keeping young users safe.

5. Qwant Maps

Privacy also extends to the mapping service called Qwant Maps.

• Respectful exploration : Exploration without tracing is a tempting proposition.
• Localization without Tracing : Find locations and get directions without sacrificing your life.

6. Qwant Mobile App

The Qwant mobile application extends privacy protection beyond the desktop.

• Protected browsing : Blocking tracking and cookies for smooth navigation on mobile.
• Qwant as a Search Engine : Searches without tracking, without advertising tracking and without selling personal data.
• Qwant ViPrivacy on Mobile : The application includes the same protection features as the browser extension.

The Qwant mobile application transposes the promise of privacy-friendly browsing from desktop to mobile.

7. Qwant Drive by Shadow

Shadow is Qwant's cloud storage offering, focused on privacy.

• Pricing: £4.99/month for 2TB, 20GB free without ads or data exploitation.
• Security: Hosting in Europe, encryption in transit and on the client side.
• Synchronization: Desktop and mobile clients, compatibility with third-party backup software.
• Automatic backup: Automatic uploading of photos/videos via the mobile application.
• Partnership with Nextcloud: European design, hosting in France.
• Shadow PC compatibility: Link between Shadow Drive and Shadow PC for an optimal cloud experience.
• FAQs and Support: FAQ section to resolve common questions.

Shadow stands out for its commitment to privacy, although its impact on the saturated cloud storage market remains to be seen.

Qwant is taking a bold step into the world of search engines by placing privacy at the heart of its offer. However, the path to mass adoption and market recognition can be fraught with pitfalls, especially when faced with well-established giants. Its functionalities respect the promise of privacy, but the challenge remains convincing a wider audience of the added value of Qwant in a market dominated by well-established players.

Security and Confidentiality with Qwant

Qwant offers secure browsing while respecting the privacy of Internet users and businesses.

Data protection

• No Data Collection: Your privacy remains intact during your searches.
• Anti-Malware and Phishing Extension: Secures browsing by blocking threats.

Enterprise Security with Qwant @Work

• Defense against Phishing and Cyber Malicious: Reduces online risks for your business.
• Data Ethics Approach: Adopt a positive CSR approach.
• Made in France solution: Team and data center located in France for a secure alternative.

How does Qwant @ Work work

• Easy deployment: Qwant as the default search engine in your company.
• Enhanced Browser Extension: Blocks malicious sites, tracking, and advertising cookies.
• Customizing the Home: Adapt the display according to your preferences for a better experience.

Privacy and security are priorities for Qwant, offering a platform where online browsing is more respectful and secure.

Alternatives to Qwant

There are other search engines that share Qwant's commitment to privacy and data security.

1. DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine, offering a no-tracking alternative to Google. It is known for its simplicity and its refined interface, in addition to not tracking or storing the personal information of Internet users.

Features

• Anonymity Guaranteed: No tracking of your searches or clicks.
• Browser Extension: Blocks cookies and secures connections.
• ! Bangs: Quick access to searches on third party sites.
• Easy Privacy Settings: Privacy options that are simplified and easily accessible.
• Instant Search: Fast answers for certain queries directly in the search results.

Pricing

• Free: DuckDuckGo is free for all Internet users.

DuckDuckGo offers a great alternative for those who value privacy in their browsing experience. Its commitment to privacy and simplicity makes it a solid choice for a no-tracking search engine.

2. Startpage

Is Startpage positioned as the search engine that doesn't know anything about you?

It's the most private in the world, offering high-quality search results without tracking down or storing user information.

Features

• Private Browsing: Anonymous search results thanks to a proxy.
• No Targeted Ads: No ads based on your search history.
• Anonymous proxy: Visit websites through a proxy for more anonymity.
• Customization: Customize the look and feel of Startpage.

Pricing

• Free: Startpage is completely free to use.

Startpage offers peace of mind with its private browsing and anonymous proxy. For those looking to keep their search activities private, Startpage is a viable option.

3. Brave

Brave is more than just a search engine, it's a browser that focuses on privacy protection, security, and performance while rewarding users for browsing.

Features

• Integrated Tracker Blocker: Prevents online activity from being tracked.
• Brave rewards: Earn tokens by viewing non-intrusive ads.
• Faster Browsing: Brave blocks ads and trackers for faster browsing.
• Extension Support: Compatible with most Chrome extensions.
• DETAILED REVIEW OF BRAVE

Pricing

• Free: Brave and its basic capabilities are free to use.
• Brave Premium: (Rate not specified) Offers additional capabilities for an improved experience.

Brave goes beyond standard search engine features by offering safe browsing and rewards for users, making it an attractive alternative for those looking to maximize their privacy while browsing the web.

Conclusion

Qwant stands out as a privacy-friendly search engine, with a robust set of functions that promote secure browsing both for individual users and for business environments.

Its commitment to data protection, coupled with offerings like Qwant @Work, makes it a solid option for those looking to balance effective research and data security. However, there are alternatives like DuckDuckGo or Startpage for those who want to explore other private search options.

The path that Qwant has taken, by focusing on privacy and offering tools like Qwant Junior and Qwant Music, reveals a desire to offer a more respectful and rewarding online experience.