Brave browser with integrated VPN: conflicting user experiences
Many modern browsers set themselves the task of ensuring user privacy, but sometimes the methods of their implementation can raise issues that are in the plane of exceeding user permissions. One such case concerns the popular Brave browser, which seems to have made changes in its policy regarding built-in VPN service on the Windows operating system. Let's look at this issue in more detail.
Brave firewall + VPN: reaction to the controversial “innovation”
The Brave browser, known for its emphasis on privacy, has brought some unexpected changes to the user experience. Starting in 2022, installing Brave on a Windows PC automatically included not only the browser itself, but also the company's VPN service, regardless of your choice. This Firewall + VPN service is an optional paid subscription and remained inactive until the user decided to use it. However, this approach turned out to be not entirely transparent for a company that has become a symbol of privacy.
It turns out that the company, while offering an additional paid subscription to its Firewall + VPN service, does not provide enough clear information or details to users that this service will be automatically installed along with the Brave browser on the Windows operating system. The lack of clarity on the part of the company on the issue of enabling a VPN service without the user’s explicit consent causes fair bewilderment and dissatisfaction among users, especially among those who did not expect the automatic installation of additional paid services.
This “innovation” is limited to the Windows version of Brave, and at the moment, according to the company's vice president of engineering, describes current actions and plans for changing them. Attentive users can check the presence of VPN services in the Windows service manager, where they are marked as Brave VPN and Brave Wireguard. The ideal new behavior, according to the post, is for services to be loaded after the user has interacted with them and paid for their use.
Despite such an ambiguous implementation, the idea of connecting a browser with a VPN can bring enormous benefits to the user thanks to:
- Comprehensive protection against threats. The firewall creates a strong barrier, filtering viruses and blocking unwanted trackers, keeping your device completely safe online.
- Private network in any conditions. VPN ensures privacy, even when using open or unprotected ones Wi-Fi networks, creating a secure connection for you and your device.
- VPN integration into Brave browser. The unique combination of VPN and firewall in one app protects your online activities at the network level, covering every app on your device.
- Ease of use. Brave VPN is built into the Brave browser, available on various platforms including Android, iOS, macOS and Windows, providing convenience and accessibility for all devices.
- Geographical flexibility. The service provides servers in different countries, which allows you to choose local servers to increase the speed and performance of your VPN.
These advantages make Brave VPN an attractive solution for those who value security and privacy in the online space, and also strive for high performance when using various applications.
Brave + VPN: the issue of implementing the idea is not completely closed
However, it remains unclear whether VPN services will be removed from already installed versions of Brave after adjustments are made. It may be possible to remove them manually, but the first automatic update will probably restore them. According to information from experts in the field, one solution to the problem is to uninstall Brave and reinstall it without administrative rights to avoid automatic installation of additional services.
Thus, the issue of integrating a VPN service into Brave has become a topic of discussion, and, apparently, the company plans to make changes to its policy. But it's important to remember that even in a world of privacy-focused software, user awareness remains an important tool for maintaining personal safety online.
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