Firefox Users Gain Control Over New AI Features

Daily Technology

16/02/2026

Mozilla is set to introduce new artificial intelligence features to its Firefox browser later this month, but with a significant emphasis on user choice. Responding to community feedback and a commitment to offering control, Firefox will provide users with the ability to disable these AI functionalities, ensuring a personalized browsing experience.

Key Takeaways

Firefox is integrating new AI features, including a chatbot sidebar and AI-powered summaries.
Users will have the option to disable these AI features through settings toggles.
The update, version 148, will initially be desktop-only and launches on February 24th.
Mozilla emphasizes a privacy-first approach to its AI integrations.

New AI Features and User Control

Mozilla Firefox is expanding its capabilities with the integration of new AI features, set to roll out with version 148 on February 24th. These enhancements include an AI chatbot accessible via a sidebar and AI-powered summarization tools. Recognizing that user preferences for AI vary widely, Mozilla has proactively built in controls, allowing individuals to opt out of these features entirely.

Ajit Varma, head of Firefox, stated that the company's decision to offer AI controls stems from listening to their community and their ongoing commitment to providing choice. A Mozilla spokesperson further clarified that the AI features are designed to be optional, transparent, and easy to manage or disable, aiming to keep users in control of their web experience.

Desktop-First Rollout and Broader AI Integration

The upcoming version 148 will initially be available for desktop users. Mozilla plans to closely monitor user feedback before considering further expansion. This move aligns Firefox with other major browsers like Apple's Safari and Microsoft's Edge, which have also begun integrating AI functionalities.

Privacy-Centric Approach to AI

As a nonprofit-backed browser with approximately 200 million monthly active users, Firefox is prioritizing a privacy-first approach to its AI integrations. The new settings menu will feature toggles for each AI feature, allowing users to selectively enable or disable options such as AI for language translation, PDF alt text generation, tab grouping suggestions, link preview summaries, and the sidebar chatbot. Users will also be able to select their preferred chatbot provider, including options like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini.

Jolie Huang, Firefox's AI product leader, has previously emphasized the company's dedication to privacy-preserving AI, aiming to enhance productivity without compromising personal information. For those eager to test these features before the official release, they are available in Firefox Nightly, the less stable, daily-updated development version.

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