Firefox Puts Users in Charge of New AI Tools

Mozilla is introducing a suite of artificial intelligence features to its Firefox browser this month, but with a clear off-switch. In a move that contrasts with much of the tech industry, the nonprofit-backed browser will allow users to disable all AI functions with a single button.

"AI is transforming the web, but our users want very different things from it," wrote Firefox's Ajit Varma in a blog post announcing the update. He stated that direct feedback from the Firefox community, paired with Mozilla's long-standing principle of user choice, led to the development of these granular controls.

The new version, Firefox 148, launches for desktop users on February 24. Within the settings, a dedicated menu will provide individual toggles for features like an AI sidebar chatbot, page summarization, and translation tools. Users can enable specific tools or shut down the entire AI system.

A Mozilla spokesperson emphasized the goal is a better, user-controlled browsing experience as AI becomes more commonplace. The initial rollout is desktop-only as the company refines the experience based on early feedback.

Privacy experts see the approach as significant. "It validates that AI browser features introduce real privacy and security considerations," said Erik Avakian, a former state chief information security officer. He notes Mozilla is implementing controls proactively, while others "are forcing the conversation by moving fast with AI and breaking trust."

With roughly 200 million monthly users, Firefox is the largest nonprofit browser. The update reinforces its privacy-first stance, a principle product lead Jolie Huang highlighted last year, promising AI that boosts productivity without sacrificing personal information. Early adopters can test the features now on the Firefox Nightly channel.