Firefox 148 introduces granular controls for generative AI features
Mozilla announced on Monday that Firefox will enable users to block all current and future generative AI features starting with version 148, rolling out on February 24, through a new AI controls section in desktop browser settings.
The update introduces a dedicated AI controls section accessible within Firefox desktop browser settings upon installation of version 148. Users seeking to avoid any AI integration can activate the “Block AI enhancements” toggle. This action disables access to every AI feature, eliminating pop-ups and reminders related to both existing and forthcoming AI tools provided by Firefox.
Beyond the comprehensive block option, the AI controls permit granular management of specific AI features. Users can selectively enable or disable individual capabilities while retaining others according to their preferences. The controllable features encompass several functionalities designed to enhance browsing experiences through artificial intelligence.
- Translations: This feature enables users to browse web content in their preferred language by automatically translating pages.
- Alt text in PDFs: The browser generates alternative text descriptions for images within PDF documents to improve accessibility.
- AI-enhanced tab grouping: Artificial intelligence assists in organizing open tabs into logical groups based on content similarities.
- Link previews: Hovering over hyperlinks displays AI-generated summaries or previews of the linked content.
- AI chatbot in the sidebar: A sidebar chatbot integrates chosen services during browsing sessions, supporting Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral.
Mozilla detailed its rationale in a blog post, stating, “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.”
The announcement follows Mozilla’s appointment of Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as CEO in December. Enzor-DeMeo outlined the company’s approach to AI integration in a blog post at that time, emphasizing user control. He wrote, “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.” These remarks addressed Mozilla’s plans to invest in AI while ensuring features remain optional.
This development occurs amid shifts in the browser market. For over a decade, Firefox and Google Chrome held dominant positions. New entrants now challenge their market share, including Perplexity, Arc, OpenAI, and Opera, prompting established players to adapt strategies.
Mozilla maintains a focus on AI transparency alongside feature development. Last week, CNBC reported that Mozilla President Mark Surman described forming “a rebel alliance of sorts” comprising tech startups, developers, and public-interest technologists. This group aims to enhance AI trustworthiness and counterbalance the influence of major players such as OpenAI and Anthropic.
To support these efforts, Mozilla plans to allocate approximately $1.4 billion in reserves. The funds will back tech businesses and nonprofits, including Mozilla itself, as reported by CNBC. Investments target promotion of AI transparency and resistance to unchecked rapid expansion by dominant AI companies operating with limited oversight.