Brave Video Conferencing: Now Out of Beta!

Brave Launches Privacy-Focused Video Conferencing Tool

The company Brave, known for its privacy-respecting browser, has officially released its video conferencing extension – Brave Talk – following a period in beta testing.

Beta Testing and Initial Adoption

Brave Talk underwent beta testing for approximately a year, beginning in May of the previous year. During this phase, the platform garnered around 14,000 daily active users, consisting of early adopters and developers utilizing the test version.

A Focus on User Privacy

Now accessible to all, Brave Talk is positioned as a privacy-focused alternative to existing video conferencing solutions.

Brave highlights that many competing services, including Zoom, engage in call monitoring, metadata collection, and image recording, potentially leading to data sales or unauthorized sharing.

Encryption and Data Security

Brave Talk allows users to implement multiple encryption layers, safeguarding calls from eavesdropping. Furthermore, the platform refrains from saving metadata, ensuring that call details, images, and user activity remain private and unshared without explicit consent.

Subscription Model and Feature Access

The video calling software operates on a subscription basis, with premium features – such as group calls and call recording – available for $7 per month.

However, basic one-on-one calls are offered free of charge and without limitations.

Currently, the Brave Talk Premium version is exclusively available within the Brave Android and iOS applications, though the free version will be integrated “in the coming weeks.”

Browser Compatibility

Initiating a video call requires the use of the Brave browser, while recipients can join using any contemporary web browser, including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.

Encryption Details and Current Limitations

While Brave emphasizes its commitment to privacy, it’s important to note that Brave Talk does not currently offer end-to-end encryption.

The platform leverages the Jitsi as a Service open-source video meeting platform from 8×8, which utilizes WebRTC technology for seamless HD video integration within the browser.

Video Bridge Encryption Explained

Users can activate varying levels of encryption through the settings menu.

The highest level of encryption currently available, applicable to both free and premium versions, is termed “Video Bridge Encryption.”

According to co-founder and CEO Brendan Eich, this setting encrypts audio and video streams using keys generated by participants, preventing interception on the Video Bridge Server.

“Video Bridge Encryption can be enabled under ‘Security Options’,” Eich stated.

Distinguishing VBE from End-to-End Encryption

Brave intentionally uses the term “Video Bridge Encryption” instead of “end-to-end encryption” to avoid confusion.

Eich explained that while encryption protects against passive eavesdropping, Brave is actively collaborating with 8×8 to enhance security against active attackers through automated participant authentication.

Once completed, this enhancement will allow Brave to confidently introduce full end-to-end encryption, offering advantages over platforms like Zoom, which require manual security code verification.

Getting Started with Brave Talk

Users interested in testing Brave Talk, formerly known as Brave Together, must first download the Brave browser to initiate a call.

Receiving calls does not necessitate the use of Brave.

Brave’s Growing User Base

Brave recently surpassed 36 million monthly active users across its suite of privacy-focused products, which also includes a search engine and a Firewall+VPN.