New Search Standards: Brave Introduces AI
Using search engines is no longer an anonymous activity. Every query, every click, and every word entered into the search bar leaves a digital footprint. Against this backdrop, Brave has set out to offer an alternative to conventional services by prioritizing data privacy. Recently, Brave Search introduced the “Ask Brave” feature, which delivers detailed answers powered by artificial intelligence—without exposing user information.
Features: How Ask Brave Works
The new option does not replace the existing “AI Answers” system; it enhances it. Previously, users would receive brief replies to direct queries. Now, they have access to comprehensive, analytical content. The system generates structured reports that may include videos, curated links, product listings, image galleries, and summaries from various sources. This approach goes beyond short reference answers, providing in-depth information with added context.
Users can refine the generated results—requesting the text to be rephrased, clarifying specific points, or adding details. The interaction does not resemble chatting with a bot but is based on precise queries that modify the final material while maintaining its clear structure and visual layout. It feels like working with an intelligent assistant, but without intrusive exchanges or personalization.
Integration and Privacy Management
Ask Brave is integrated into the search engine by default, without the need to enable separate modes or navigate special menus. If the system determines that a query requires a more detailed answer, it uses the new mechanism. To manually trigger extended search, simply add ‘??’ to your query. This approach maintains ease of use without sacrificing the depth of results.
Technically, the feature combines Brave’s own search index with large language models (LLM), enabling the creation of comprehensive answers. Unlike other services that use third-party APIs or external databases, Brave relies on its own infrastructure. This provides additional control over the process and ensures that personal data never leaves the system.
Privacy principles: a distinction from competitors
Brave emphasizes that it does not store search histories or build user profiles based on search queries. All AI-generated data is automatically deleted after 24 hours and is not used for model training. Unlike commercial giants such as Google or Microsoft, Brave does not offer personalization in exchange for data collection. Here, user control over personal information remains the top priority.
The question remains whether such solutions can change the search engine market or if they will remain niche products. However, with every new step, Brave and similar projects prove that intelligent technologies can operate without total control and surveillance. Perhaps, in the future, internet searches will once again become a private matter.
