The acquisition enables Brave to offer the first private alternative to Google Search and Google Chrome
Brave Search also allows users to select a default search engine that works well with the Brave browser. (Credit: Brave)
Brave has announced the acquisition of open search engine Tailcat that is developed by the team formerly responsible for the privacy search and browser products at Cliqz.
The Tailcat search engine is said to be developed on top of a completely independent index, capable of delivering the quality results, without compromising users’ privacy.
In addition, the search engine does not collect IP addresses or use personally identifiable information to improve search results.
The acquisition is expected to become the foundation of Brave Search, which will provide options for ad-free paid search and ad-supported search.
Brave Search and the Brave browser are expected to become privacy-preserving alternative to Google Chrome and Google Search.
Besides, Brave Search also allows users to select a default search engine that works well with the Brave browser to offer a complete privacy-respecting experience.
Brave Software CEO and co-founder Brendan Eich said: “Brave has grown significantly over the past year, from 11 million monthly active users to over 25 million. We expect to see even greater demand for Brave in 2021 as more and more users demand real privacy solutions to escape Big Tech’s invasive practices.
“Brave’s mission is to put the user first, and integrating privacy-preserving search into our platform is a necessary step to ensure that user privacy is not plundered to fuel the surveillance economy.”
Brave is also offering a privacy-preserving ad platform with Brave Ads, which has delivered nearly 3,000 private ad campaigns in 200 countries.
Verizon, The Home Depot, The New York Times, Progressive Insurance, Chipotle, PayPal, Amazon, Harry’s Razors, CBS, and KIND Snacks are the major advertisers on the platform.
Recently, the company has also launched a privacy-preserving news reader, Brave Today, as well as a Firewall+VPN service, and is testing Brave Together, a privacy-preserving video-conferencing service.