Firefox Empowers Users with Control Over AI Features
In a significant move towards user autonomy, Mozilla has announced that its Firefox browser will soon offer users the ability to disable all current and future generative AI features. This initiative is set to debut with Firefox version 148, scheduled for release on February 24, 2026.
Introducing AI Controls in Firefox
With the upcoming update, Firefox will introduce a dedicated AI controls section within its desktop browser settings. This feature is designed to cater to users who prefer a browsing experience devoid of AI enhancements. By activating the Block AI enhancements toggle, users can ensure that they won’t encounter prompts or notifications related to existing or forthcoming AI functionalities.
Granular Management of AI Features
Beyond the blanket option to disable all AI features, Firefox will provide users with the flexibility to manage individual AI components. These include:
– Translations: Enables browsing in the user’s preferred language.
– Alt Text in PDFs: Generates descriptive text for images within PDF documents.
– AI-Enhanced Tab Grouping: Organizes browser tabs using AI-driven insights.
– Link Previews: Offers summaries or previews of linked content.
– AI Chatbot Integration: Allows users to interact with their chosen AI chatbot directly from the browser’s sidebar. Supported services encompass Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral.
Mozilla’s Commitment to User Choice
Mozilla’s decision to implement these controls stems from its dedication to user choice and privacy. The company acknowledges the diverse perspectives on AI integration within the browsing experience. In a recent blog post, Mozilla stated, AI is changing the web, and people want very different things from it. We’ve heard from many who want nothing to do with AI. We’ve also heard from others who want AI tools that are genuinely useful. Listening to our community, alongside our ongoing commitment to offer choice, led us to build AI controls.
Leadership’s Vision on AI Integration
The announcement follows the appointment of Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as Mozilla’s CEO in December 2025. Enzor-DeMeo emphasized the company’s approach to AI, highlighting that while Mozilla plans to invest in AI and incorporate AI features into Firefox, these features will remain optional. He articulated this stance in a blog post, stating, AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off. People should know why a feature works the way it does and what value they get from it.
Navigating a Competitive Browser Landscape
Mozilla’s proactive steps come at a time when the browser market is experiencing rapid evolution. Traditional browsers like Firefox and Google Chrome, which have long dominated the space, are now contending with emerging competitors such as Perplexity, Arc, OpenAI, and Opera. By offering users control over AI features, Mozilla aims to differentiate Firefox and cater to a broad spectrum of user preferences.
Investing in AI Transparency
In addition to providing user-centric controls, Mozilla is actively investing in AI transparency. The company plans to allocate approximately $1.4 billion from its reserves to support tech businesses and nonprofits, including its own initiatives. This investment strategy is geared towards promoting AI transparency and counterbalancing the rapid growth of companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, which have expanded with limited oversight.
Conclusion
Mozilla’s introduction of comprehensive AI controls in Firefox underscores its commitment to user choice and privacy. By empowering users to manage AI features according to their preferences, Firefox continues to adapt to the evolving digital landscape, ensuring a personalized and transparent browsing experience.
