The Brave New World of Privacy Browsing
In the age of digital oversharing and creepy ads lurking around every virtual corner, it’s refreshing to see some companies stepping up to protect our privacy. Brave, the browser that takes privacy seriously, is gearing up to launch its own private search engine after acquiring Tailcat, a privacy-focused search technology. This move marks a significant shift towards greater independence from the corporate giants of the search engine world.
What is Tailcat?
Tailcat isn’t just a fancy name plucked from a hat. Developed by a talented group from the now-dissolved Cliqz team, Tailcat promises a search experience that doesn’t come with a side of spyware. As Brave bravely marches ahead, Tailcat is set to be the backbone of Brave Search, which is designed for those who prefer to keep their browsing habits to themselves.
Brave Search: What to Expect
Brendan Eich, the co-founder of Brave, spilled the beans on what we can expect from their upcoming search engine. He hinted that users can expect the launch as early as summer 2021. Sounds sunny, doesn’t it? During an early access phase, select testers will get to dive in first, followed by a general release that could make summer 2021 one for the books (if you enjoy privacy, that is).
Why This Matters
The search engine space has largely become a playground for Big Tech companies, leaving privacy-conscious users feeling a bit out of place. Brave’s groundbreaking plan to integrate Tailcat into its platform marks a move towards a more decentralized and independent search experience. As opposed to relying on major search engines, Brave’s Tailcat will not collect IP addresses or trace users’ personal data, making it a friendlier option for those wary of being tracked online.
The Bigger Picture: Brave’s Rapid Growth
It’s been a wild ride for the Brave browser, which has doubled its user base from 11 million to a staggering 26 million monthly users. Not too shabby for a company dedicated to user privacy! Alongside this incredible growth, Brave has announced its ambitious “BAT Roadmap 2.0,” which looks to integrate its Basic Attention Token (BAT) into search functionalities and much more. Perhaps soon we’ll not only be searching in peace, but also paying for that privacy.
