Browser taps into web privacy fears

The founder of Freeserve has unveiled his latest venture - a web-browsing tool that claims to preserve the privacy of its users.

Ajaz Ahmed's brainchild, Browzar, is a free application that can be downloaded and either saved to the user's computer or run directly from the website.

Although it is not the only way to surf the internet without leaving easily found tracks - most browsers offer the option of deleting details of sites visited and emptying caches - Ahmed claims his offering is the best solution for the less technically savvy surfer.

Ahmed said on Thursday: "It's aimed at normal people who don't realise they're leaving traces behind. Having a retail background enables me to think like a customer. I'm always conscious to keep things very, very simple."

Ahmed claims the browser will secure a global fan-base, as many internet users around the world connect at web cafés. He also emphasised the security advantages of a browser that automatically clears private data after each session, and the boon for those with privacy concerns who use a shared computer.

He added: "Obviously we rely on people making sure they're maintaining their own security by installing anti-spyware software and so on."

The tool could prove useful to companies whose employees often have to log on remotely, he said. Unless staff are issued with laptops, PDAs or smart phones, they could find themselves having to carry out sensitive searches or accessing webmail systems from an internet café.

Ahmed denied Browzar could be used to conceal illegal web-based activities, as information on users' searches is still accessible via the ISP. Asked about the ethics of providing a tool that people could use to hide their activities from partners and family, Ahmed said his company is "simply providing a platform for people to use and people use it for many things".

Browzar is an Internet Explorer shell browser, in that it exclusively works alongside Microsoft's browser - which means it benefits from IE security updates, said Ahmed.

The browser, which is currently in beta form, is relatively small at 264KB, meaning new versions will take the form of replacements rather than updates. Ahmed promised expanded functionality in the future and suggested further products from the company are on the horizon.

Ahmed founded the Freeserve ISP in the late 1990s. The ISP was bought by Wanadoo, making him millions. It was recently rebranded under the Orange banner. His other business ventures have included taking the helm at VoIP company Callserve in 2004.

David Meyer writes for ZDNet UK