Mozilla has announced that with the upcoming Firefox version 148, users will have the option to disable AI features easily. This new capability comes as part of an AI Controls panel set to launch in late February.
Users will be able to customize their use of AI features like on-device translations or disable specific enhancements like the Google Lens image search. There will also be a universal toggle to completely block AI enhancements.
Mozilla acknowledges that many users prefer to opt out of AI altogether while still appreciating some useful AI tools. This shift is somewhat unexpected as Mozilla is transitioning to an AI-first approach, where success is measured by how many monetized AI features are implemented in its products.
Despite this, enthusiasm for AI integrations within Firefox hasn’t been universally positive, which is reflective of broader sentiments toward AI technologies. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with features like AI-driven tab grouping, which ended up consuming significant CPU resources for questionable benefits.
Mozilla attempted to justify its AI strategies despite pushback, but the recent decision to give users more control over AI features shows a responsiveness to user concerns, a change from previous stances where requests for opt-out options were met with resistance.
For more details, you can read Mozilla’s official announcement here.