Firefox Users Gain Control Over New AI Features with Upcoming Update

San Francisco, CA – February 4, 2026 – In a move that prioritizes user choice amidst a rapidly evolving AI landscape, Mozilla has announced that an upcoming update to its Firefox browser will include granular controls over its newly integrated artificial intelligence features. The company confirmed that users will have the option to disable these AI functionalities entirely or selectively manage which ones remain active.

The update, slated for release on February 24th and initially available for desktop users, aims to provide a counterbalance to the trend of increasingly embedded AI within web browsers. According to The Verge, this new “AI control” option will be accessible within Firefox’s settings menu, granting users the power to toggle features such as a built-in AI chatbot, AI-powered translation services, and AI-driven tab group suggestions.

Mozilla's proactive approach stands in contrast to some of its competitors. While companies like Microsoft and Google have been aggressively integrating AI into their respective browsers, Edge and Chrome, Mozilla appears to be taking a more user-centric stance. The Hacker News highlights that this one-click option to disable generative AI features reflects a commitment to user autonomy, a principle often championed by the organization.

This development follows a series of AI-focused initiatives from Mozilla. The company has previously rolled out features like a “shake to summarize” function for iOS users, which leverages AI to provide summaries of online content. Furthermore, Firefox has been developing an experimental “AI Window” – an opt-in browsing experience designed to assist users with web searches through an AI assistant and chatbot. The Verge also noted that Mozilla CEO Anthony Enzor-DeMeo has previously expressed belief in the potential for diverse AI integrations within the browser space.

The decision to offer a robust “kill switch” for AI features is particularly noteworthy. As reported by CNET, the inclusion of this option is seen as a significant step in empowering users to dictate their browsing experience. By allowing users to opt out, Mozilla aims to ensure that the integration of AI enhances, rather than intrudes upon, the user’s online activities.

The Mozilla Blog has detailed that these AI controls will offer a flexible approach, allowing users to fine-tune their experience. This means users can choose to disable all AI features at once or selectively disable specific functions that they may not wish to utilize. This level of customization is expected to be well-received by a user base that values privacy and control over their digital tools.

Mozilla, a long-standing advocate for an open and accessible internet, continues to emphasize its mission of putting people before profit. The introduction of AI controls within Firefox aligns with this core philosophy, ensuring that technological advancements serve the user’s needs and preferences, rather than dictating them. The organization’s commitment to privacy and user empowerment is further underscored by its broader product suite, which includes services like Mozilla VPN and Firefox Relay, all designed with user security and control in mind.