Mozilla Lets Firefox Users Disable AI Features
▼ Summary
– Firefox is adding AI features like a chatbot and page summaries, but faced user backlash, particularly from its Linux user base.
– To address this, the upcoming Firefox 148 release will introduce a centralized AI Controls feature in the Settings page.
– This control tool allows users to easily disable all AI features with a single switch or manage them individually.
– The stable release of Firefox 148, which will include these AI controls, is scheduled for February 24.
– Mozilla is adding this feature to give users control and prevent losing users who are opposed to AI integration.
Mozilla is introducing a significant update to Firefox that will finally give users direct control over the artificial intelligence features integrated into the browser. The upcoming Firefox 148 release, scheduled for February 24, will include a centralized management panel where users can easily enable or disable AI tools. This move directly addresses the vocal feedback from a core segment of the Firefox community who have expressed a strong preference for a browser experience without AI integration.
The initial rollout of AI features in December, which included an AI chatbot, page summaries, translations, and AI-enhanced tab grouping, was met with notable resistance. Many long-time Firefox users, including a substantial portion of the Linux community, made it clear they did not want these automated tools. Recognizing this, Mozilla is pivoting to prioritize user choice. The new AI Controls section within the Firefox Settings will function as a master switch, allowing individuals to turn off all AI functions at once or customize their experience feature by feature.
This granular control extends to specific tools like translations, image alt text generation in the PDF viewer, tab group suggestions, and the sidebar chatbot. Once a user configures their preferences, the settings will persist through future browser updates, eliminating the need to repeatedly opt-out. This level of user control over AI functionality is a direct response to community feedback and is seen as a necessary step to retain users who might otherwise abandon the browser.
While other major browsers like Edge, Chrome, and Opera already offer ways to disable their respective AI assistants (Copilot, Gemini, and Aria), Firefox has historically been slower to adopt such trends. The introduction of these controls, while following the industry, underscores Mozilla’s stated commitment to putting user agency first. Company leadership has emphasized that as AI becomes more embedded in daily browsing, providing clear choice is paramount.
The feature is currently in development for the Firefox 148 stable channel. Although not yet available in the latest Nightly builds, it is expected to be included before the official public release. For users wary of AI, this development is a welcome compromise, allowing Mozilla to continue its development in the space while letting individuals tailor their own browsing environment. The ability to comprehensively disable these features may prove crucial in maintaining the loyalty of Firefox’s dedicated user base.
(Source: ZDNET)
