The Brave web browser is hijacking links, and inserting affiliate codes (davidgerard.co.uk)

Article summary

The Brave web browser has been found to be hijacking links and inserting affiliate codes, which has raised concerns about the browser's privacy and security. The browser's founder, Brendan Eich, has apologized for the issue and promised to make changes. The incident has sparked a discussion about the browser's business model and its use of affiliate marketing. Brave has been criticized for not being transparent about its affiliate links and for potentially violating laws related to affiliate marketing.

Main themes

• browser privacy
• affiliate marketing
• Brave browser controversy
• online security
• user trust
• browser business models

What commenters say

• Brave's use of affiliate marketing is a legitimate way to generate revenue without compromising user privacy.
• The browser's lack of transparency about its affiliate links is a major concern and potentially illegal.
• Brave's actions are a betrayal of its users' trust and demonstrate a prioritization of profits over privacy.
• The incident highlights the need for greater scrutiny of browser business models and their impact on user privacy.
• Using a browser like Firefox with uBlock Origin is a better option for those concerned about privacy and security.
• Brave's open-source nature and transparency about its code are positives, but do not excuse its questionable behavior.
• The use of affiliate marketing by browsers is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of the trade-offs between revenue generation and user privacy.