Brave has introduced “Ask Brave,” a new AI-powered search feature that combines traditional search results with AI-generated answers in a single interface.
This feature positions Brave as a direct competitor to Google. Ask Brave surpasses the conventional back-and-forth between search engines and AI chatbots by providing comprehensive, chat-style responses based on real web data, with privacy as its fundamental principle.
This action signifies Brave’s significant foray into AI-powered search, which is designed to satisfy users who desire profundity without sacrificing their privacy.
Ask Brave combines search and AI chat
Ask Brave differs from Brave’s earlier AI Answers by providing longer, interactive responses incorporating follow-up questions and deeper context.
The feature blends links, videos, news articles, shopping info, and products seamlessly, automatically detecting query intent for contextual enrichments.
Users can access Ask Brave for free on any browser or platform by adding “??” to enquiries, accessing the search results page, or visiting the Brave Search homepage.
Chief of Search Josep M. Pujol explains, “Ask Brave provides longer answers, follow-ups, and a chat mode enhanced with Deep Research, delivering the right information at the right time”.
Privacy-first search experience
A standout aspect of Ask Brave is its rigorous privacy protection. Unlike many AI tools that log data for training and personalisation, Brave encrypts chats, deletes conversations after 24 hours of inactivity, and does not store IP addresses.
This ensures that user queries and conversations remain untraceable, aligning with Brave’s long-held commitment to privacy. The company emphasises that Ask Brave’s responses are derived directly from Brave’s independent search index, thereby reducing the presence of irrelevant or fabricated content.
Users apprehensive about Google’s data practices and desire an advanced AI search experience will find this privacy-first approach appealing.
With the introduction of Ask Brave, the search landscape is transitioning towards integrating AI’s conversational profundity with traditional search reliability. This offers a novel option for privacy-conscious users seeking alternatives to standard blue links.