In March 2021, Brave, the privacy-focused web browser, announced its acquisition of Cliqz, a German search engine company. The acquisition was part of Brave’s plan to launch its own search engine, which would provide users with a privacy-focused alternative to Google.
Brave is a web browser that aims to protect user privacy by blocking ads and trackers. The browser uses a built-in ad blocker and offers a feature called Brave Shields, which blocks trackers, cookies, and other website elements that could compromise user privacy. Brave also offers a cryptocurrency-based reward system for users who choose to view ads.
Cliqz, on the other hand, is a search engine that prioritizes user privacy by encrypting user data and providing personalized search results. Cliqz also offers a browser extension that blocks tracking scripts and provides anti-phishing protection.
The acquisition of Cliqz by Brave was significant because it gave Brave the technology and expertise it needed to launch its own search engine. Brave has long been critical of Google’s dominance in the search engine market and has been vocal about the need for a privacy-focused alternative.
In June 2021, Brave launched Brave Search, its own search engine that aims to provide users with a privacy-focused alternative to Google. Brave Search uses its own index of the web, which is built on top of an independent search engine called Tailcat.
Tailcat is a search engine that was developed by Cliqz and is based on open-source technology. The search engine uses a decentralized architecture that prioritizes user privacy by keeping search data private and secure.
Brave Search also offers a number of features that are designed to protect user privacy. For example, the search engine does not track user searches, nor does it use any personal data to personalize search results. Brave Search also provides a feature called biographypark “Goggles,” which allows users to perform image searches without leaving any traceable data behind.
The launch of Brave Search was a significant development in the search engine market. The search engine market is dominated by Google, which has a market share of over 90%. However, Brave Search’s privacy-focused approach could attract users who are concerned about the privacy implications of using Google.
In addition to its privacy-focused approach, Brave Search also offers a number of other features that could make it an attractive alternative to Google. For example, the search engine offers ad-free search results, which could be a selling point for users who are tired of seeing ads on Google’s search results pages.
Brave Search also offers a feature called “Search by Image,” which allows users to search for similar images by dragging and dropping an image onto the search bar. This feature could be particularly useful for people who need to identify images or find similar images for research purposes.
The launch of Brave Search was a significant development for Brave, which has been vocal about the need for a privacy-focused alternative to Google. The search engine market is one of the most lucrative markets in the tech industry, and Brave’s entry into this market could disrupt Google’s dominance.
Overall, Brave’s acquisition of Cliqz and the launch of Brave Search are significant developments in the search engine market. The launch of Brave Search provides users with a privacy-focused alternative to Google and highlights the growing demand for privacy-focused technology.
Brave Search’s ad-free search results and “Search by Image” feature could make it an attractive alternative to Google, especially for users who are concerned about the privacy implications of using Google. The launch of Brave Search is also significant because it demonstrates Brave’s commitment to providing users with privacy-focused technology that puts user privacy and security first.
