Firefox Adds New AI Controls * Science and Technology Times

Mozilla is introducing a dedicated set of AI controls in Firefox to give users more choice over how artificial intelligence appears in their browsing experience.
The new settings allow people to block all current and future AI‑powered features or manage them individually.
The update reflects Mozilla’s response to a community divided between those who welcome AI tools and those who prefer an AI‑free browser.

Firefox Introduces Centralized AI Management

Mozilla says the web is changing quickly as AI becomes more common, and users increasingly want control over how these technologies appear in their browser. Some prefer to avoid AI entirely, while others look for features that genuinely improve their workflow. This range of expectations led Mozilla to develop a unified system for managing AI‑related tools in Firefox. The new controls aim to balance innovation with user autonomy.

Starting with Firefox 148, rolling out on February 24, a new AI controls section will appear in the desktop browser settings. It serves as a single location where users can block all generative AI features or manage them individually. The system is designed to let people use Firefox without AI while Mozilla continues building optional AI‑powered tools. Preferences set in this panel will persist across browser updates.

Mozilla emphasizes that these features are optional and easy to adjust. Users can enable or disable each tool based on their comfort level. The company says the goal is to give people a clear way to shape their browsing experience. This approach reflects Mozilla’s long‑standing focus on user choice and transparency.

Managing AI Features in One Place

Firefox currently offers several AI‑enhanced features intended to improve usability. These include translations for browsing in different languages, automatically generated alt text in PDFs, and AI‑assisted tab grouping. Link previews can summarize key points before opening a page, and an optional sidebar chatbot allows users to interact with services such as Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and Le Chat Mistral. Each of these can be turned on or off individually.

Users who prefer not to engage with AI at all can activate the “Block AI enhancements” toggle. When enabled, Firefox will hide prompts and reminders related to existing or upcoming AI features. This ensures that people who want a traditional browsing experience can maintain it without interruptions. The setting can be changed at any time.

Mozilla notes that once preferences are saved, they remain consistent across updates. This stability is intended to reduce friction for users who want predictable behavior from their browser. The company also highlights that the controls will evolve as new AI features are introduced. This structure allows Firefox to expand its capabilities without forcing changes on users.

The AI controls will first appear in Firefox Nightly for early testing. Mozilla encourages feedback through Mozilla Connect, where users can share their experiences and suggestions. This iterative approach aligns with the organization’s open‑source development philosophy. Broader availability will follow once testing is complete.

Putting Users in Control of AI

Mozilla frames the new AI controls as part of a broader effort to give users more influence over their digital environment. As AI becomes more integrated into web services, the company believes that clear, accessible controls are essential. The goal is not to push AI adoption but to support a range of preferences. This reflects Mozilla’s view that user agency should guide how AI appears in everyday browsing.

The company acknowledges that attitudes toward AI vary widely. Some users see AI as a valuable tool for productivity, accessibility or organization. Others are cautious about automation, data use or the pace of technological change. Firefox’s new system is designed to accommodate both perspectives without compromising functionality.

Mozilla’s decision to centralize AI settings may also help reduce confusion as more features are introduced. A single, predictable location for controls can make it easier for users to understand what is enabled and why. This clarity supports informed decision‑making and aligns with Mozilla’s broader mission of building a more transparent web.

The introduction of AI controls suggests that Mozilla expects AI‑powered features to become increasingly common in browsers. By establishing a framework now, the company aims to ensure that future additions remain optional and user‑driven. This approach may set a precedent for how other browsers handle AI integration.