Firefox Adds New Privacy Tools and Smarter Features

• Firefox is introducing several updates focused on user control, privacy, and productivity.
• The browser will soon include a built‑in VPN, improved customization options, and new multitasking tools.
• A refreshed design and a new mascot also signal a broader evolution of the Firefox experience.

More Control and Easier Customization

Mozilla is preparing a series of updates that expand Firefox’s long‑standing emphasis on user choice. The browser’s Settings section is being redesigned with clearer navigation and a built‑in search function, making it easier to adjust features and personalize the interface. These improvements will appear first in Firefox Nightly before rolling out more widely. The changes aim to reduce friction for users who want to tailor the browser to their workflow.

Firefox’s approach to AI features continues to prioritize user control. Generative AI tools in the browser can be turned on, off, or customized individually, allowing users to decide how much automation they want. This flexibility reflects Mozilla’s broader stance on transparency and user agency. Additional updates in the coming weeks will build on this foundation with more fine‑grained controls.

Mozilla notes that users may also notice visual updates across the browser as part of a broader refresh. These refinements are intended to modernize the interface while keeping Firefox’s identity recognizable. The company says the changes are informed by community feedback and usability testing.

Privacy Upgrades Arriving Soon

A major addition is Firefox’s upcoming built‑in VPN, which will be available for free. Many free VPNs rely on questionable data practices, but Mozilla says its version follows the organization’s privacy principles and does not require separate downloads. The VPN will route browser traffic through a proxy to hide users’ IP addresses and locations, offering an extra layer of protection. At launch, users in the U.S., France, Germany, and the U.K. will receive 50 gigabytes of monthly data.

Firefox 149, arriving March 24, will include this VPN feature. The update also introduces the Sanitizer API, a new web security standard designed to block certain types of attacks before they reach the user. Firefox is the first browser to ship this API, which aims to reduce vulnerabilities in web applications. These additions reinforce Mozilla’s focus on built‑in privacy rather than optional add‑ons.

Behind the scenes, Firefox continues to strengthen its security architecture. The browser’s development team is working on improvements to speed, performance, and stability. Mozilla says these enhancements are part of a long‑term effort to ensure Firefox remains a trusted alternative in a browser landscape dominated by a few major engines.

New Tools for Productivity and Multitasking

Several new features are designed to help users work more efficiently. Smart Window — previously called AI Window — provides quick, optional assistance such as definitions, summaries, and product comparisons without leaving the current page. The feature is opt‑in, and users can join a waitlist for early access. Mozilla emphasizes that Smart Window is meant to support browsing rather than replace it.

Split view is another addition arriving in Firefox 149. It allows two webpages to appear side by side in a single window, making comparisons and multitasking easier. This feature reduces the need to switch between tabs when working with multiple sources. It also supports workflows that involve copying information or referencing multiple documents at once.

Tab Notes, available through Firefox Labs starting March 24, lets users attach notes directly to individual tabs. This tool helps track ideas, reminders, or research without relying on external apps. It is particularly useful for users who keep many tabs open and want a simple way to pick up where they left off.

A Fresh Look and a New Mascot

Firefox is also receiving a visual update across its website, product interface, and branding. The refresh includes new themes, updated icons, and refinements to toolbars, menus, and the homepage. These changes aim to improve usability while giving the browser a more distinct and contemporary appearance. Mozilla says the redesign reflects extensive community feedback.

Alongside the visual updates, Firefox is introducing a new mascot named Kit. The character is intended to serve as a friendly companion and a visible symbol of support within the browser. Kit appears in various parts of the interface, adding a touch of personality to the user experience. Mozilla describes the mascot as part of its effort to make the browser feel more approachable.

The company plans to share more details about the redesign and mascot integration in the coming months. These updates represent a broader shift toward a more cohesive and recognizable Firefox identity. They also signal Mozilla’s intention to evolve the browser while maintaining its core values.

Firefox’s renewed focus on open standards comes at a time when the web ecosystem is increasingly shaped by a small number of browser engines. Mozilla’s work on technologies like the Sanitizer API and its continued investment in the Gecko engine highlight its role as one of the few independent browser developers. This independence has historically contributed to major web innovations, including early support for CSS, tabbed browsing, and modern security protocols.