Makers of Brave Browser are working on an open source search engine based on Tailcat

Brave has acquired Tailcat and is working on its own open source search engine. Brave Search, according to the developers, is focused on privacy and transparency. It is not clear when the search engine will become available.

The Tailcat search engine will form the basis for Brave Search, the company reports in a blog post . Tailcat was also an open source search engine, in the works of the former development team behind the Cliqz privacy browser and search engine, which was discontinued in 2020 . The Tailcat team will be transferred to Brave as part of the acquisition. The company does not report the amount involved in the acquisition of Tailcat

With the upcoming search engine Brave wants to offer a privacy-friendly alternative to search engines such as Google. “The Tailcat search engine is built on top of a completely independent index capable of delivering the quality people expect, but without compromising their privacy,” the company claims in a press release. The search engine does not collect IP addresses or use ‘personally identifiable information to improve search results, according to Brave.

Brave Search is not available yet. The company places a waiting list on its website, which allows users to sign up for early access to the search engine. Brave does not disclose when the first early access period will start or when Brave Search will be available to everyone. The search engine will work with the Brave Browser, among other things, although users of that web browser can also set other default search engines.

The company says it plans to release Brave Search with a paid ad-free version and a free variant with ads. “While there is a group of users who have long wanted a premium, ad-free search experience, others prefer a free, ad-funded model.” Brave states that ‘offering a choice is best’ and that showing Brave Ads is an option. In a survey for the early access period, the company asks respondents whether they are willing to pay for an ad-free search engine, and how much, if any, they would be willing to pay for it.