New Update Brave Launches “Shred” on iOS to Erase Site-Specific Data Instantly

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Brave Software has unveiled “Shred,” a powerful new feature in its iOS browser (version 1.71) that allows users to delete site-specific data instantly. Designed to bolster privacy against first-party tracking, Shred provides users with a one-tap solution to erase stored data for individual websites without affecting data for other sites. This development addresses an often-overlooked dimension of online privacy while maintaining convenience.

Brave is a privacy-focused browser known for its strong anti-tracking features, ad-blocking capabilities, and commitment to user control. Available on all major platforms, it continues to challenge industry norms by making privacy intuitive and effective. This latest initiative underscores Brave's commitment to user-centric privacy innovations.

The problem Shred solves​

While many browsers offer protections against third-party trackers, fewer focus on the risks posed by first-party tracking. First-party tracking enables websites to monitor repeat visits, enforce paywalls, and share collected data with partners, creating detailed user profiles. Shred disrupts this by deleting data such as cookies, local storage, and even WebKit API caches on a per-site basis.

Unlike typical “clear all data” options, Shred ensures users are not logged out of every site when clearing data, offering both privacy and convenience.

Specifically, Shred removes:

• Explicitly stored data (e.g., cookies, local storage).
• Implicit data (e.g., network-related caches).
• Data stored via private WebKit APIs.

Using Shred​

The Shred feature can be activated in several ways:

Manual Shred:

1. Long-press the tabs button.
2. Tap the Shred button in the tabs tray.
3. Select “Shred” in Brave Shields.

Brave Auto Shred:

• Configure via Shields > Advanced Controls > Shred Site Data.
• Options include shredding data when all tabs for a site are closed or when the browser restarts.
• Additionally, users can enable global Auto Shred for all sites via Settings > Shields & Privacy > Auto Shred.

Brave
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While Shred offers comprehensive protections on iOS, some platform-imposed limitations prevent Brave from achieving the same level of data deletion as on Android and Desktop. Brave plans to extend the feature to these platforms, aiming for consistency across its ecosystem.

Brave Launches "Shred" on iOS to Erase Site-Specific Data Instantly

Brave Software has unveiled "Shred," a powerful new feature in its iOS browser that allows users to delete site-specific data instantly.

cyberinsider.com