Brave introduced a feature in desktop version 1.98 that removes hidden identifiers Meta adds to photos shared on Facebook and Instagram.
The feature aims to make it harder for Meta to identify and link the same photo across different accounts and websites.
When users download an image from Facebook or Instagram, Brave removes Meta’s identifier. It also removes the identifier from a copy of an image when users upload it to a website, leaving the original file on their computer unchanged.
Photos contain metadata, including details such as the date, time, location, and device used to take them. While useful for organizing photos, this information can also be used to track users.
Brave says Meta adds a hidden identifier to photos shared on its platforms, although Meta has not publicly explained its purpose. This identifier could potentially help link accounts that share the same photo, even when using different names.
Brave also plans to add an option to remove location, device, and date and time information from photos, with users able to control whether this metadata is removed.
The company also plans to bring the feature to its Android and iOS browsers.