Firefox is Adding an AI Shutdown Button, Putting User Control at the Forefront

While the tech world is experiencing a period where AI features are being integrated into almost every digital product, Mozilla is taking a different path. Its open-source web browser, Firefox, is bringing a radical update that grants users complete control over AI-related features.

The Ability to Disable AI with a Single Click

According to a statement from the Mozilla Foundation, the Firefox 148 version, to be released on February 24, will add a new 'AI Controls' section to the desktop browser settings. The 'Block AI Enhancements' option in this section will allow users to disable all current and future generative AI features at once.

In a statement shared in a Mozilla blog post, it was noted: "AI is changing the web, and people want very different things from it. Many state they don't want anything to do with AI at all. Others are looking for truly useful AI tools. Listening to our community and in line with our commitment to offering choice, we decided to develop AI controls."

A Step Against the Industry Trend

Firefox's decision represents a stance contrary to the tendency of tech giants to spread AI into every domain. Companies like Samsung, Google, and Microsoft are integrating AI features into a wide range of products, from search engines to operating systems, smartphones to home appliances. For example, Google is adding AI summaries to its search tool and Gemini to its Chrome browser, while Samsung's latest mobile devices are marketed as 'AI smartphones.'

In this context, it is becoming increasingly difficult for users who want to utilize AI less or not at all to avoid this technology. For instance, it is not possible to completely remove the AI assistant Copilot from Windows laptops. Firefox, however, is creating an exception in this field by offering users the ability to manage individual AI settings.

Which Features Can Be Controlled?

The new AI control panel will allow users to manage the following features individually or block them collectively:

• Automatic translations
• Alternative text (alt text) generation in PDF files
• AI-enhanced tab grouping
• Link previews
• AI chatbot in the sidebar

Mozilla also released a video showing how the AI controls will work. This move reinforces its commitment to user privacy and control while offering users more options for personalizing their digital experience. This development coincides with other AI-focused launches, such as OpenAI's release of a new coding application for macOS, while also highlighting different approaches within the industry.