Brave Browser is set to enhance user interaction with the web through its upcoming version 1.75 for desktop, which introduces a feature called ‘custom scriptlets.’ This addition allows advanced users to inject their own JavaScript directly into websites, offering a new level of customization and control over their browsing experience.
While the ability to modify web pages through script injection is a familiar concept—having been available through various extensions like Tampermonkey and Greasemonkey—Brave’s implementation aims to provide a more integrated and user-friendly approach within its privacy-focused framework.
What Are Custom Scriptlets?
Custom scriptlets are akin to the popular TamperMonkey and GreaseMonkey browser extensions, which enable users to create “user scripts” that modify the functionality of specific websites. With this new feature, Brave users can write and implement their own scriptlets, enhancing their ability to tailor their online experience to their specific needs.
Brave initially developed this feature to debug its ad-blocking capabilities but quickly recognized its potential value for users. As a result, they decided to make it accessible to all, empowering users to take charge of their browsing environment.
Benefits of Custom Scriptlets
The introduction of custom scriptlets opens up a world of possibilities for users looking to enhance their privacy, security, and overall usability while browsing. Here are some key benefits:
- Enhanced Privacy:
- Users can create scripts to block JavaScript-based trackers, helping to safeguard their online activities.
- Scriptlets can randomize fingerprinting APIs and replace Google Analytics scripts with dummy versions, further enhancing user privacy.
- Improved Usability and Customization:
- Users can hide distracting sidebars, pop-ups, and floating ads, creating a cleaner browsing experience.
- The ability to force dark mode on sites that don’t support it, expand content areas, and enable infinite scrolling can significantly improve user comfort.
- Customization options include adjusting text colors, font sizes, and auto-expanding hidden content for better accessibility.
- Performance Optimization:
- Scriptlets can block video autoplay, lazy-load images, and auto-fill forms with predefined data, streamlining the browsing process.
- Users can enable custom keyboard shortcuts, bypass right-click restrictions, and automate confirmation dialogs, enhancing overall efficiency.
To exemplify the capabilities of custom scriptlets, following javascript script is for removing sidebars for better experience:
This simple script can dramatically improve the user experience by eliminating distractions.
Caution Advised
While the potential for customization is virtually limitless, users should exercise caution when running untrusted custom scriptlets. Malicious scripts can cause issues or introduce security risks, so it’s essential to only use scripts from reputable sources.
