Mozilla's Firefox plans to include an option to disable all AI features, dubbed the 'AI kill switch,' in response to user backlash against AI integration in browsers. Despite assurances of user control, concerns remain about the true opt-in nature of AI features, with some users skeptical about Mozilla's commitment to user choice. Meanwhile, competitors like Vivaldi emphasize maintaining user autonomy and privacy, rejecting passive AI integration.
Mozilla's new CEO plans to integrate AI features into Firefox, but due to community backlash, a 'kill switch' will be added by 2026 to disable AI functionalities, reflecting ongoing tensions between innovation and user trust.
Mozilla's Firefox introduces an AI kill switch that allows users to permanently disable AI features, addressing privacy concerns and aiming to rebuild user trust after past controversial data policies.
Waterfox, a Firefox fork, is taking a stand against AI integration, explicitly refusing to include large language models (LLMs) in its browser, in contrast to Mozilla's plans for a more AI-enabled Firefox ecosystem. Mozilla has responded by promising an opt-in AI feature with a kill switch, but Waterfox's stance appeals to users seeking an AI-free browsing experience. Waterfox continues to cater to users who value privacy, customization, and legacy add-ons, positioning itself as a preferred alternative amidst Mozilla's evolving AI ambitions.
Mozilla's new CEO plans to transform Firefox into a 'modern AI browser' by investing in AI and expanding the browser into a broader ecosystem, despite community backlash over default AI features that many find unnecessary and intrusive.
Mozilla's new CEO aims to transform Firefox into a modern AI browser with enhanced privacy controls, including a toggle to turn AI features off, and diversify revenue streams beyond search engine royalties, amidst declining market share and rising competition.
Mozilla has appointed Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as CEO to focus on expanding AI integration in Firefox, emphasizing responsible AI use and user choice, amidst a broader effort to innovate in the browser space and diversify revenue streams, while maintaining its commitment to privacy.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Hacker News
The article discusses the author's mixed feelings about Mozilla and Firefox, criticizing Mozilla's management, executive compensation, and strategic decisions, while also acknowledging Firefox's technical strengths and the community's attachment. The author expresses a desire to support Firefox directly and highlights broader issues of corporate influence and open internet advocacy.
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Hacker News
The article discusses the ongoing battle against Google's anti-adblock measures, the limitations of browsers like Chrome and Firefox, and the broader issues of web standards, privacy, and market dominance. It highlights efforts to bypass restrictions, the importance of using alternative browsers like Firefox and Brave, and criticizes Google's monopolistic practices, advocating for more diversity and political action to address these issues.
The article reviews performance benchmarks of Firefox versions 120 to 141 Beta on Ubuntu Linux using an AMD Ryzen 9 9950X, highlighting changes in speed and memory usage over nearly two years of updates.
The author is leaving Firefox due to concerns over Mozilla's management, declining innovation, and loss of focus on open-source and Linux communities, and is switching to Opera, which they trust more for its reliability, user-centric features, and aesthetic appeal.
Mozilla plans to remove the Do Not Track (DNT) feature from Firefox 135, acknowledging that few websites honor the request not to track users. Instead, Mozilla suggests using the Global Privacy Control (GPC), which has gained traction due to privacy laws like California's Consumer Privacy Act and the EU's GDPR. However, GPC's effectiveness is uncertain, as major browsers like Chrome and Edge do not support it natively, prompting users to consider additional privacy tools like extensions or VPNs.
Mozilla has decided to remove the 'Do Not Track' feature from its Firefox browser, as it was largely ineffective and potentially counterproductive. The feature, which sent a request to websites not to track users, was often ignored and could even help websites identify and track users more effectively. This move follows Apple's similar decision to remove the feature from Safari in 2019, highlighting the ineffectiveness of self-regulation in online privacy.
Apple has released an official iCloud Passwords extension for Firefox, allowing users to sync their iCloud passwords on macOS Sonoma or later. However, the extension does not support Windows. Windows users can still access iCloud passwords via iCloud for Windows and extensions for Chrome or Edge. Apple has taken over the development of the Firefox extension, previously managed by another developer.
Apple has released an iCloud Passwords add-on for the Firefox browser, allowing users to access and manage their iCloud Keychain passwords directly from Firefox. This move expands the accessibility of Apple's password management system beyond its own Safari browser, providing more flexibility for users who prefer or need to use Firefox.
