AI is taking over the world, amid huge privacy concerns over data retention and how it’s being used. As a result, Mozilla received huge backlash when the company announced it would be adding AI features, as Firefox users did not like the idea of turning the open-source browser into an AI-driven one. Thankfully, the company is set to change that by allowing its users to turn off all AI features in the Firefox browser.
Mozilla's new CEO, Anthony Enzor-DeMeo, has confirmed that it will provide a straightforward way for users to opt out of these AI features entirely. While replying to a user post on Reddit, the executive stated that an “AI Kill Switch” will be added to the browser early next year. “Rest assured, Firefox will always remain a browser built around user control.” That includes AI. You will have a clear way to turn AI features off. A real kill switch is coming in Q1 of 2026.”
Moreover, Jake Archibald, Web Developer Relations Lead at Mozilla, took to Mastodon while clarifying the situation, adding: “Something that hasn’t been made clear: Firefox will have an option to completely disable all AI features,” Archibald wrote. “All AI features will also be opt-in … the kill switch will absolutely remove all that stuff, and never show it in future. That’s unambiguous.”
In addition to this kill switch, the current and future AI features in Firefox will be opt-in, meaning users can choose to enable them actively. It also means that once this kill switch is activated, all AI elements will be removed, with no future reminders or prompts. With concerns over AI’s growing role, many long-time Firefox users have appreciated this decision by Mozilla, as long as AI it's not forced upon them.
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