Waterfox Ditches AI, Appeals to Firefox Purists
▼ Summary
– Waterfox, a Firefox-based browser, has publicly declared it will not integrate Large Language Models (LLMs), directly opposing Mozilla’s plan to evolve Firefox into an “AI browser.”
– Mozilla’s AI strategy for Firefox has generated significant user backlash, with critics using strong metaphors to express their disapproval of the direction.
– In response to the criticism, Mozilla clarified that all AI features in Firefox will be opt-in and that a comprehensive “kill switch” will allow users to completely disable all AI functionality.
– Waterfox differentiates itself by offering features like disabling telemetry, a more relaxed update schedule based on ESR versions, and compatibility with certain Linux desktop environments.
– The article’s author prefers Waterfox, citing its historical support for legacy browser extensions and suggesting Mozilla’s AI push may drive more users to seek alternatives.
In a move that directly challenges the direction of its parent project, the Waterfox browser has announced a firm policy against integrating large language models (AI) into its software. This declaration positions the popular Firefox fork as a haven for users concerned about privacy and the creeping influence of artificial intelligence in everyday applications. The stance is a clear rebuttal to Mozilla’s recent vision of evolving Firefox into a “modern AI browser,” a strategy that has sparked considerable debate within its community.
The lead developer of Waterfox, Alex Kontos, made the position unequivocal in a blog post titled as a direct response to Mozilla. “Waterfox will not include LLMs. Full stop,” Kontos stated, adding that this policy stands “at least and most definitely not in their current form or for the foreseeable future.” This contrasts sharply with statements from new Mozilla leadership, which envisions Firefox as the anchor for a broader ecosystem of “trusted software” powered by AI.
Mozilla’s announcement was met with immediate and widespread criticism from a segment of its user base, many of whom have long valued Firefox for its principled stand on user autonomy. The backlash was so intense that Mozilla felt compelled to clarify its plans, emphasizing that all AI features would be strictly opt-in and that the browser would include a comprehensive “kill switch” to completely disable all AI functionality. Despite these assurances, the initial announcement damaged trust for many purists who see the integration of AI as fundamentally at odds with the browser’s core ethos.
For these users, Waterfox presents a compelling alternative. Originally created to provide a 64-bit version of Firefox before Mozilla offered one, Waterfox has evolved into a browser that prioritizes user control and legacy compatibility. It is built on Mozilla’s Extended Support Release (ESR) versions, resulting in a more measured update schedule. Crucially, it disables all of Mozilla’s telemetry by default, a feature that previously protected its users from certain privacy-related bugs that affected the main Firefox branch.
A significant historical draw for Waterfox was its prolonged support for legacy XUL/XPCOM browser extensions. When Mozilla transitioned to the WebExtensions API with Firefox 57 (Quantum), it rendered thousands of powerful, deeply integrated add-ons obsolete overnight. Waterfox maintained compatibility for years through its “Classic” branch, allowing users to retain their customized workflows. While the main Waterfox release has now moved to a more modern codebase, its philosophy of preserving user choice remains intact.
Beyond its stance on AI, Waterfox offers practical features that appeal to power users. It includes a native, integrated vertical tab bar, implemented years before Firefox explored the concept. For Linux users on desktops like KDE Plasma or Xfce, Waterfox continues to support global menu bar integration, a feature dropped by mainstream Firefox. While other privacy-focused forks like LibreWolf exist, Waterfox’s combination of a stable ESR base, a strong privacy stance, and a history of respecting user customization has cemented its loyal following.
As Mozilla continues to pursue its AI-integrated future, the clear line drawn by Waterfox may attract users feeling alienated by the new direction. The debate highlights a growing schism in the open-source browser world between the drive for innovation powered by new technologies like AI and the desire to maintain a simple, private, and user-controlled browsing experience. For those in the latter camp, Waterfox’s recent announcement reinforces its role as a sanctuary.
(Source: The Register)
