Insights Everyday Tech
Arc browser stops working on 22 December: what to do before then
The short version
The Browser Company is closing its Arc browser. New accounts are already blocked, and on 22 December it stops working on Mac and Windows. Accounts are then deactivated and personal data is deleted within 30 days.
What happened
The company announced the closure on 22 October. It says keeping a browser secure takes constant work, and it wants its engineers to focus on its newer browser, Dia.
The shutdown happens in stages. From 23 November, the phone version, Arc Search, loses its AI features and the ability to sign in or sync tabs. It will still work as a basic browser on the phone.
Dia can take over passwords, bookmarks, extensions and history. Arc's work and personal spaces become Profiles in Dia, and the sidebar tabs stay as an option. Arc's features remain free in Dia, and the AI parts are optional.
Why it matters to you
After the closing date Arc stops working on Mac and Windows, and your account and personal data are removed within 30 days. Anything you still keep only in Arc, such as tabs, logins or bookmarks, needs to be moved first.
The company says its engineering and security work will now go into Dia. Its CEO has said Arc can't be open-sourced meaningfully without also releasing the internal software kit that Dia runs on, so a community-maintained version looks unlikely.
What to do
Choose a replacement well before 22 December. Dia is the company's own suggestion, and the Zen and Vivaldi browsers were also mentioned as alternatives.
Move your passwords, bookmarks and key tabs into the new browser while Arc still works. Then check that you can log in to your important accounts.
Sources
Researched and written by our automated news system.
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