Firefox Offers Users a Button to Disable All AI Features

As AI integrations rapidly increase in the technology world, some users feel the need to control or completely disable these features. Responding to this demand, Mozilla is adding a master switch feature to its popular browser, Firefox, allowing users to disable all AI tools at once.

Complete Control with a Single Click

The new "AI Controls" section, to be added to the browser settings with Firefox version 148, will provide users with the ability to manage current and future AI features. When the master toggle switch in this section is enabled, all tools such as automatic translation, AI-generated alternative text in PDFs, tab grouping, link previews, and the AI chatbot in the sidebar will remain disabled.

Also Blocks Future Features

According to the announcement on Mozilla's blog, turning on this master switch will not only disable existing features but will also prevent Firefox from informing or suggesting new AI tools it may add in the future. The company stated that user preferences will be preserved between updates and these settings can be changed at any time.

This move clarifies Mozilla's approach to AI, known for its sensitivity regarding user privacy and control. While not completely abandoning AI technology, the company appears to acknowledge the negative impact this technology can have on some users and their need for control. A similar user-centric approach was also discussed recently following a security vulnerability on the AI social network called Moltbook, which exposed thousands of users' data.

Update Schedule

The new control panel will first become accessible in Firefox Nightly versions. Stable version users will receive this feature with the Firefox 148 update scheduled for release on February 24th. This development is considered a strong example of the trend towards users having more say in what runs and what doesn't in their software.