🟢 Prototyping ⭐
Productivity Updated February 27, 2026

Brain Gate

Browser extension that blocks distractions with progressive friction and puzzle challenges

Feasibility:
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Excitement:
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Seriousness:
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The Problem

Absolute site blocking leads to workarounds and resentment. People need friction that encourages reflection, not locks they eventually remove. Impulsive browsing habits are hard to break without creating space for mindful choices.

The Story Behind This App

Brain Gate

Block distractions with progressive friction. Solve puzzles for mindful access instead of impulsive browsing.

The Problem

Traditional site blockers fail because they treat users as adversaries. Absolute blocks lead to:

  • Finding workarounds (VPNs, other browsers, mobile)
  • Resentment and rebellion
  • No development of genuine self-control

The Solution

Brain Gate creates friction, not walls. Instead of blocking sites completely, it requires you to solve puzzles before accessing them. This:

  • Creates a pause between impulse and action
  • Engages your decision-making brain (prefrontal cortex)
  • Makes you consciously choose whether you really want to proceed
  • Turns distraction time into learning opportunities

How It Works

  1. Choose what to block: Pornography (maximum friction), Social Media (short bursts), Entertainment (episode-based)
  2. Set your difficulty: Easy, Medium, Hard, or Impossible
  3. Try to access a blocked site: Puzzle challenge appears
  4. Solve puzzles: Arithmetic + trivia questions
  5. Get limited access: 5-60 minutes depending on category
  6. Take a break: Mandatory cool-down before next unlock

Pricing

  • $3/month or $28/year standalone
  • FREE with TACo Club or Lifetime membership

Status

Currently in Alpha testing. Available for Chrome and Firefox.

Download from TACo →

Key Features

1. Progressive Friction

What: Creates increasing resistance to distraction access, not absolute blocks

Why: Encourages self-awareness and intentional decisions instead of rebellion

2. Puzzle Challenges

What: Arithmetic and trivia questions to solve before accessing blocked sites

Why: Engages prefrontal cortex, creates pause between impulse and action

3. Three Blocking Categories

What: Pornography (max friction), Social Media (short bursts), Entertainment (episode-based)

Why: Different content requires different approaches to access control

4. Timed Access Windows

What: Unlock sites for 5-60 minutes with mandatory breaks between sessions

Why: Prevents binge behavior while allowing intentional use

5. TACo Integration

What: Cloud sync, premium features, and subscription management via TACo account

Why: Unified ecosystem with other TACo productivity tools

6. Deletion Code System

What: 50-character code required to change settings or uninstall

Why: Maximum friction for changing core protection - must be manually typed

User Journey

  1. 1 User installs extension and completes onboarding
  2. 2 Selects categories to block and difficulty level
  3. 3 Tries to access blocked site
  4. 4 Puzzle challenge appears - must solve to unlock
  5. 5 Gets limited time access window
  6. 6 Break timer prevents immediate re-access
  7. 7 Usage stats help identify patterns

Technical Architecture

Frontend

TypeScript browser extension with custom UI

Backend

TACo API for sync, Cloudflare Workers for deletion codes

Data

Browser localStorage (local-first), optional TACo cloud sync

APIs

  • TACo Auth API for account connection
  • TACo Sync API for settings sync
  • Stripe for subscriptions

Hosting

Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, TACo servers

Moonshot Features (v2.0)

  • ☐ AI-generated personalized trivia based on learning goals
  • ☐ Biometric integration (heart rate, focus level)
  • ☐ Network-level blocking for mobile devices
  • ☐ Family/accountability partner features
  • ☐ Integration with therapy/recovery apps

Market Research

Similar to: Cold Turkey, Freedom, BlockSite, LeechBlock

Different because: Progressive friction instead of absolute blocking; educational puzzles; TACo ecosystem integration

Target users: People seeking recovery from porn addiction, social media overuse, or building better digital habits

Open Questions

  • How to balance friction with accessibility needs?
  • Should puzzles be customizable (e.g., language learning)?
  • Mobile browser support feasibility?

Resources & Inspiration

Discussion