Brave Browser Now Supports IPFS: Native Peer-to-Peer Protocol

The community focused on decentralized technologies is broadening its focus to include support for systems extending beyond just cryptocurrencies.

Today, the Brave team announced in a blog post their collaboration with Protocol Labs to incorporate direct support for the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) within their browser. This peer-to-peer file-sharing standard, which began in 2015, has been gaining traction among proponents of open-source technologies, who appreciate its capacity to prevent content removal by corporations and governments, alongside practical benefits like enhanced performance, the ability to view files offline, and improved dependability.

IPFS operates on principles similar to BitTorrent, enabling files to be hosted by numerous users across various networks. This update allows Brave users to access content through web addresses beginning with ipfs:// and also provides the option to operate their own IPFS node. The company believes that integrating IPFS support will contribute to a more robust and dependable Internet infrastructure.

Brave is a natural platform for the IPFS protocol, considering the company’s dedication to decentralized technologies. The company, established by Mozilla co-founder Brendan Eich, reports having 24 million active monthly users. Several of Brave’s distinctive features utilize blockchain or peer-to-peer technologies. For example, in 2018, Brave introduced a beta version of Tor Tabs, integrating the decentralized Onion protocol.

Opera previously announced limited IPFS support for its Android app last year.

Interest in decentralized technologies is growing as technology companies become increasingly receptive to the possibilities presented by cryptocurrency. Recent reporting by TechCrunch highlighted Twitter’s exploration of developing a decentralized network for social media platforms.

Whether other widely-used browsers will choose to natively support this technology remains to be seen, considering the potential for misuse inherent in circumventing file removal processes and the fact that it currently serves a relatively specialized user base.