BAT Basic Attention Rank #236 $0.0774 ▼ 1.61%

Basic Attention Token (BAT) is an open-source, decentralized advertising exchange built on the Ethereum blockchain as an ERC-20 utility token. Launched through an initial coin offering in May 2017, the project was designed to address inefficiencies in the digital advertising industry by creating a direct channel between advertisers, publishers, and users. The platform operates primarily through the Brave browser, a privacy-focused web browser that blocks third-party trackers and intrusive ads by default. Within this ecosystem, advertisers compensate publishers with BAT for verified user attention, and users can opt to receive BAT in exchange for viewing privacy-respecting advertisements. Targeting is performed locally on the user's device, so personal data never leaves the browser. The token also incorporates attention measurement systems, analytics dashboards, and machine learning components to value and price user engagement more accurately. While originally an Ethereum-based asset, BAT has expanded to other networks such as Solana, Polygon, Avalanche, NEAR Protocol, and Harmony, broadening its cross-chain availability. BAT was created by Brendan Eich, the co-founder of Mozilla and creator of JavaScript, alongside Brian Bondy and other engineers involved in building the Brave browser.