Brave, the desktop and mobile browser based on the Chromium code, is gaining a lot of momentum. Its stated mission to protect privacy and block malicious advertising resonates with many users, especially those who are getting tired of Google’s history on both. Brave’s most recent move is the acquisition of Tailcat, a small open source search engine in Europe.
The result will be the renamed Brave Search. Brave’s introductory post lists a set of principles, focusing on privacy, the lack of targeted advertising and the transparency of the algorithm. The latter is crucial, in contrast to the black box that is Google’s search algorithm and the problematic links it has with the company’s advertising and services. The research team published an academic article (link in PDF) outlining its objectives. They include a system of complex filters called “Goggles” provided by independent sources, both corporate and private. Essentially, users would be able to choose from a variety of modifiers that would change the way the algorithm classifies content, looking behind the curtain at each step.
Other features of the upcoming search engine include a paid and ad-free option, open access to the search engine for other platforms and search engines and, of course, deep integration with the Brave browser itself. The most interesting parts of Brave Search do not yet exist – and as of today, Tailcat is also not operating. At the moment, Brave is offering a registration page and a waiting list. There is no indication of when Brave Search will be available, either in a limited capacity or to the public.
