Mozilla Mandates Data Collection Transparency for Firefox Extensions
Article Text:
In a significant move to enhance user privacy and transparency, Mozilla has announced that, starting November 3, 2025, all new Firefox extensions must disclose their data collection practices prior to installation. This initiative aims to provide users with clear insights into how their personal data is handled by browser add-ons.
Implementation Details
Developers submitting new extensions to the Firefox ecosystem are now required to specify data collection permissions directly within the `manifest.json` file. This is achieved by utilizing the `browser_specific_settings.gecko.data_collection_permissions` key. By standardizing this approach, Mozilla ensures consistent metadata regarding extension behaviors across its entire add-on platform.
Extensions that do not collect or transmit user data must explicitly declare this by setting the appropriate none required permission. This declaration not only informs users but also highlights privacy-respecting tools within the Firefox community.
Scope and Compliance
This requirement applies exclusively to new extensions submitted after the November 3 deadline. Existing extensions are not immediately subject to this mandate, allowing developers time to integrate the new framework into their projects. However, once an extension adopts the `data_collection_permissions` key in a new version, it must continue implementing it in all subsequent releases.
Extensions that fail to comply with these requirements will be blocked from submission to addons.mozilla.org for signing. Mozilla will provide clear explanatory messages to guide developers toward compliance.
User Experience Enhancements
To ensure users are well-informed, the disclosed data collection information will be prominently displayed across multiple Mozilla platforms. During the installation process, users will see data collection details alongside traditional permission prompts, creating a unified authorization experience. Additionally, this information will appear on the addons.mozilla.org extension listing page and within the Permissions and Data section of Firefox’s about:addons management interface.
Backward Compatibility Considerations
For developers supporting Firefox versions prior to 140 on Desktop or 142 on Android, it’s essential to provide users with alternative in-extension controls for managing data collection and transmission immediately after installation. This ensures that users running legacy Firefox versions are not excluded from the benefits of this new transparency initiative.
Gradual Implementation Strategy
Mozilla is adopting a phased approach to this implementation. While the initial focus is on new extensions, the requirement will extend to all existing extensions in the first half of 2026. The company has committed to providing substantial advance notice through the add-ons blog before mandating compliance for legacy extensions, giving developers adequate preparation time.
Broader Commitment to Privacy
This initiative underscores Mozilla’s dedication to browser transparency and user privacy. By requiring verifiable disclosure of data practices, Firefox positions itself as a leader in ensuring users are well-informed before granting extensions access to their systems.
