Remove AI from Chrome, Edge & Firefox with One Script
▼ Summary
– Just The Browser is a free, open-source tool that removes unwanted features like AI and telemetry from Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.
– It works by applying configuration files to these browsers, offering a faster alternative to manually disabling features in settings.
– The author tested it on Edge and found it successfully removed the Copilot mode, though some AI elements remained on the New Tab Page.
– When tested on Chrome, the tool effectively stripped the AI functionality from the browser’s interface.
– The tool is less effective at completely stopping data collection (telemetry), but is still recommended for users wanting to reduce privacy-invasive features.
For many users, the modern web browser has become bloated with features that prioritize data collection and AI integration over a clean, private browsing experience. Just The Browser is a free, open-source tool designed to strip away these unwanted elements from Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, offering a streamlined alternative. This script applies configuration files to disable features like built-in AI assistants, telemetry, and sponsored content, aiming to return control to the user.
My personal preference leans heavily toward privacy. I want my tools to perform their core functions without extra fluff that compromises efficiency or gathers my data. While I occasionally use locally-installed AI for specific tasks, I firmly reject having it embedded in my daily browsing. Discovering Just The Browser presented a promising solution to remove the digital clutter I find so intrusive.
The tool works by automating the process of disabling numerous browser flags and settings. Manually navigating through complex configuration menus like `edge://flags` is a tedious option. Just The Browser simplifies this with a downloadable script that guides you through a few quick prompts, making the entire process fast and accessible for most users. After testing it across different browsers, I found the results were impressive, though not entirely perfect.
I began with a fresh installation of Microsoft Edge, intentionally enabling its Copilot mode beforehand to test the script’s effectiveness. Following the straightforward instructions for macOS, I ran the script and verified the changes in System Settings. The list of disabled features was extensive. Upon reopening Edge, the dedicated Copilot sidebar was successfully removed, which was a significant victory. However, I noted that the new tab page still displayed an AI query box and some suggestions, a point of disappointment that didn’t fully align with the project’s stated goals. A check of the `edge://policy/` page confirmed that many features were indeed disabled by the tool’s configuration.
Moving to Google Chrome on Linux, the process involved placing a configuration file in a specific system directory. The result was more definitive. The prominent “AI Mode” indicator in the URL bar vanished completely, and a thorough inspection revealed no trace of AI functionality within the browser. This was a clear and successful outcome.
Regarding the claim of stopping telemetry, the results were mixed. In Chrome, options like “Make searches and browsing better” remained active by default, meaning certain data could still be sent to Google. This indicates the tool is exceptionally effective at disabling AI features but may require users to manually adjust some privacy settings for complete telemetry blocking. Despite this nuance, the core value is undeniable.
Ultimately, for anyone dissatisfied with the direction of mainstream browsers but unwilling to switch to a niche alternative, this tool offers a compelling middle ground. It efficiently removes the most intrusive AI integrations and many data-harvesting features with minimal effort. If your goal is to reclaim a simpler, more private browsing experience from your current browser, Just The Browser is certainly worth trying.
(Source: ZDNET)
