Brave introduces "Request Off the Record (OTR)" feature to safeguard user privacy

In a bid to protect the privacy of users who wish to conceal their browsing behavior from others who have access to their device, Brave, the privacy-focused browser, is rolling out a new set of features. One of them, which we learned about last week, is called 'Forgetful Browsing', and now we have information about another new feature known as 'Request Off the Record (OTR).'

While it is generally recommended to use different operating system profiles to avoid multiple users sharing a web browser, this may not always be feasible. Recognizing this challenge, Brave's Off The Record (OTR from now on) feature steps in to provide a solution. By identifying specific sites with a flag and maintaining a predefined list, the browser prompts the user when they visit one of these sites, offering the choice to proceed using OTR or continue browsing as usual. Brave is actively working to standardize OTR across various browser vendors, and by doing so, the company aims to ensure that individuals facing intimate partner violence or requiring discreet access to personal healthcare and support services can experience enhanced privacy and protection, irrespective of the browser they use. The development of this feature has been a collaborative effort involving civil society and victim advocacy groups, allowing Brave to address the unique needs of these individuals effectively.

Current privacy tools provided by most browsers often fall short when it comes to preventing on-device surveillance by abusers and fail to offer comprehensive solutions. While private windows or Incognito mode may seem like a solution, they are not foolproof, as users may forget to open or close them, potentially raising suspicion or putting victims at risk. Similarly, advanced browser controls for deleting site storage are often complex to locate and use correctly, leaving traces of site visits behind. Additionally, relying on quick-exit buttons on sensitive sites poses limitations, as they depend on the site's proper implementation, leaving users vulnerable.

To address these shortcomings, Brave's Request OTR offers comprehensive protection by omitting sensitive site visits from both the browsing history and local storage. Simultaneously, it enables non-sensitive site visits to be recorded normally. Triggering Request OTR can be accomplished either by a site including the "Request-OTR: 1" header in the response to the initial navigation request or by being included in Brave's preloaded list of partner sites. Although initially intended for victims of intimate partner violence, this feature can be utilized by any site on the web.

It is crucial for users to understand that while Request OTR offers significant privacy benefits, it does not safeguard against other potential sources of recording browsing information, such as browser extensions, network spying, malware, or operating system-level logging. Brave acknowledges these threats and is actively exploring additional protections to counter them. The company also welcomes feedback on the Request OTR feature, as it collaborates with experts and researchers to evaluate user understanding and improve communication regarding the protections it provides.

Request OTR will be available in upcoming versions of the Brave desktop browser and Android release. As part of its commitment to user privacy, Brave is eager to standardize Request OTR with other browsers and organizations to extend its benefits across different platforms, fostering a safer and more private web browsing experience for all.