Brave Browser CEO apologizes for automatically adding links related to cryptocurrency URLs
Brave Browser, an open source browser designed to prioritize privacy by blocking third-party ads and hackers, is facing criticism from users for redirecting URLs to cryptocurrency companies to link Brave-profitable links, reports Decrypt.
The Twitter user saw the redirect when typing “binance.us” into the Brave search bar, and the browser automatically streamed it to “binance.us/en?ref=35089877.” Both URLs go to the same page, but the active link can eventually be used to track users and generate revenue. Many websites, including Vox Media and The Verge, use affiliate links, but most are visible for doing so.
Brave founder and CEO Brendan Eich has written to Touch that the company made a mistake and was fixing it. Brave default autocompletes verbatim ‘http://binance.us’ in the address bar to enter the corresponding code. We are Binance partners, transferring users with the login widget to a new tab page, but autocompletion should not include any code. ”
When it launched last year, Brave revealed its advertising system that pays users with blockchain tokens to view ads without accessing users’ personal data. The ads appeared as notifications instead of traditional banners. Since its launch, Brave has added some traditional advertising widgets to its tab pages.
Eich said to Travel Brave is trying to build a viable business that puts users and their data first, “but we want the game’s revenue to the skin,” Eich said. “This includes introducing new users to Binance and other exchanges with free trade / other UX widgets that protect privacy before signing in. It involves search currency deals, as do all major browsers.”
Brave did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.