The latest version of the cryptocurrency-powered Brave browser now lets users withdraw the Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) they earn through the Brave Ads program.
According to the browser’s product manager Alex Wykoff, users on the Nightly version of Brave, a, unstable version of the browser meant to be used by developers testing out new features, are now able to withdraw their earned BAT after verifying their identity with crypto banking firm Uphold.
On Brave’s community forum, Wykoff wrote:
Starting 07/24/2019, users who browse with Brave’s Nightly build will be able to withdraw BAT from the Brave Rewards wallet after verifying and creating an account with our partner Uphold! Users will also be able to buy additional BAT, should they want to contribute more than they earn through opting into Brave Ads.
Back in May those using the privacy-centric browser started being able to earn tokens for browsing the web, by opting to see ads that don’t track them. The tokens users earn are, by default, sent to content creators on the web to reward them for getting users’ attention.
Users can disable this option, however, and store the tokens for themselves. Now, in case they want to contribute even more, they can buy additional tokens via Uphold after verifying their identity. Soon, users will also be able to tip BAT tokens through various platforms, including Reddit, Vimeo, and Twitter.
Brave’s Ads program is currently not available in every country in the world. IT started off in Germany, France, the UK, US, and in Canada, and has recently expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Next on its radar, according to some, is Japan, with most of Europe coming by the end of the year.
The changes to Brave’s newest version don’t end with the withdrawal option, however. Content creators will reportedly have to verify their identities with Uphold to be able to receive tips, while unverified content creators won’t be able to receive funds from auto-contribute.
Thrilled to announce @SLIVERtv360 / Theta Network is an ad partner on the Brave Ads platform. https://t.co/QOEmTn5nYx ads are now featured in the Brave browser for users who opt into Brave Rewards. More details on our joint marketing campaign here: https://t.co/aOoP4d45jn pic.twitter.com/fxSlRtL1Ew
— Brave Software (@brave) July 18, 2019
The Nightly version of the browser, according to Wykoff, includes some issues that need to be fixed in later versions. These include the fact that a user’s wallet address and Uphold username are visible to creators they tip, for example.
These issues, he added, are set to be fixed next month. Brave is looking to rollout its privacy-focused ads beyond its own browser in the future.