Key facts
- Brave browser has introduced an email alias feature for enhanced user privacy.
- Users can create aliases to sign up for websites and online services.
- Emails sent to aliases are forwarded to the user's primary email account.
- The feature aims to protect users from ad targeting and potential data breaches.
- Users are initially offered five free email aliases.
Brave, a browser alternative to Chrome, has introduced a new feature that allows users to create email aliases. This function aims to enhance user privacy by preventing the direct sharing of personal email addresses with websites and online services. Upon signing up for Brave, users can opt to use an alias when prompted for an email field on a website. These aliases will forward incoming emails to the user's primary inbox after undergoing spam and virus filtering. Brave asserts that it does not access the content of these emails and deletes them from its servers post-forwarding. The company highlighted that using email aliases can mitigate risks associated with ad targeting, data brokering, and email address leaks from website hacks. Initially, Brave users are provided with five free email aliases, with plans to offer more to premium subscribers in the future. Brave also noted that some forwarded emails might initially land in spam folders as the service establishes its sender reputation.