The Browser Company has confirmed that it will not be discontinuing the Arc browser, even as it transitions to its new AI-focused Dia browser. However, the company has indicated that it will not be introducing new features for Arc. In a recent blog post, CEO Josh Miller elaborated on this decision and outlined future steps.
The Arc browser aimed to redefine the browsing experience and has garnered a loyal user base. However, Miller cited various reasons for halting its development, such as its complexity, occasional performance issues, and the company’s desire to focus more on artificial intelligence. Many of these points were previously mentioned by Miller back in October.
One significant reason for not merging Dia with Arc is related to security concerns. Miller highlighted that Arc experienced a notable security vulnerability last year, which allowed malicious actors to inject code into a user’s browsing session if they knew the user’s ID. In response, The Browser Company has expanded its security team from one to five members, emphasizing the importance of security as AI agents become more common.
Regarding the implications for Arc’s users, Miller reassured that the browser will not disappear. It will continue to receive security updates and bug fixes and will be adjusted as updates to the Chromium code occur. However, he clarified that The Browser Company does not plan to make Arc open-source or sell it, due to the custom infrastructure that supports both Arc and Dia. They hope to open the browser in the future, but not until it is deemed safe for their team and shareholders.
The Browser Company has not yet responded to inquiries from Technology News regarding whether the expanded security team is also addressing potential security enhancements for Arc. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
