Privacy and security-focused software company Brave Software has entered the video conferencing realm with a privacy-conscious video chat feature built directly into their own browser, called Brave Talk.
Users of the Brave browser can initiate a video call directly in the browser by clicking on the camera icon or by going to talk.brave.com. Calls need to be started within the Brave browser, but once started can include participants using any browser.
The feature is made possible using the open-source ‘Jitsi as a Service’ platform and so features many of the same privacy features as Jitsi Meet. Because you can use it directly in your browser, there’s no need to download any extra apps or software. This means the chance of you downloading compromised software is considerably lower.
Many of the current apps for video conferencing, like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams or Skype (haha, not really) monitor your calls in some shape or form. Whether that be as tame as collecting metadata from participates to store temporarily or full-on joining the meeting without your knowledge, we may never know. Then there’s the trend of ‘zoom-bombing’ that landed that company in some hot, expensive water last year.
It’s a very Brave claim from them
What we do know is the company has shown that it is committed to the privacy of its users so if anyone wasn’t going to eavesdrop on your calls, it’s them. Well, at least that’s what they say. If you want to take their word for it or not is your call.
The platform is available as a free tier, which will allow one-on-one video calls, video group watch, YouTube live streaming, and unlimited call times for all users. If you want to host group calls (three or more people) you’ll need to cough up $7 (+-R100) per month.
Paying users can also record their calls, mute participants or set up entry passcodes. It’s available through the browser now and while only Brave Talk Premium is available through the Android and iOS apps, the free version is on its way
