Firefox to Give Users Full Control Over AI Features

Set the controls for the heart of Firefox.

Mozilla is preparing to give Firefox users more direct control over how AI appears in their browser, responding to growing divisions over AI’s role in everyday web use.

Beginning later this month, Firefox will introduce a centralized set of AI controls that allow people to manage, limit, or fully block AI-powered features across the browser.

The update reflects Mozilla’s broader positioning as a user-first alternative in a browser market increasingly shaped by automation, personalization, and large-scale AI integrations from major technology companies.

Response to mixed reactions on AI

AI tools are becoming more deeply embedded across the web, from search and translation to content summaries and assistants. But Mozilla says not all users welcome those changes. Some see AI as a productivity boost, while others worry about privacy, accuracy, or unwanted automation.

In fact, in November, Mozilla unveiled an opt-in “AI Window” for Firefox, amid growing pushback against mandatory AI integrations.

The company’s latest approach contrasts with competitors that increasingly ship AI features as defaults. Instead, Mozilla is emphasizing consent and configurability as core design principles, particularly as AI becomes harder to avoid online.

When the new controls arrive

The AI controls will launch with Firefox 148, scheduled to roll out on Feb. 24. Once available, users will find a new AI controls section within the desktop browser’s settings menu.

According to Mozilla, the section will act as a single hub for managing all current and future generative AI features in Firefox. Users will be able to turn individual features on or off, or disable AI enhancements entirely with one setting.

Importantly, Mozilla says these preferences will persist across browser updates, addressing a common frustration where software resets settings after upgrades.

What AI features are included

At launch, the AI controls will cover a range of optional tools already present or being introduced in Firefox. These features are designed to enhance usability rather than replace core browsing functions.

Users will be able to manage:

• Translations, which help users browse the web in their preferred language.
• Alt text in PDFs, which adds accessibility descriptions to images within PDF documents.
• AI-enhanced tab grouping, which suggests related tabs and generates group names.
• Link previews, which summarize key points from a webpage before it is opened.
• The AI chatbot in the sidebar, which allows users to choose from services such as Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral.

Full AI block option

For users who prefer not to interact with AI at all, Firefox will include a “Block AI enhancements” toggle. When enabled, the browser will suppress AI-related prompts, pop-ups, and reminders, including those for future features not yet released.

This approach may appeal to privacy-conscious users and organizations that want predictable browser behavior, particularly in professional or regulated environments.

Why this matters for the browser market

Mozilla’s move comes as browsers increasingly compete on AI capabilities rather than performance alone. Microsoft has integrated Copilot deeply into Edge, Google is expanding Gemini across Chrome, and other vendors are experimenting with AI-driven search and summarization.

By offering explicit controls rather than silent defaults, Mozilla is reinforcing Firefox’s long-standing identity as a browser focused on user agency. The company frames the update as part of a broader philosophy rather than a temporary concession.

This stance could help Firefox retain users who feel overwhelmed by rapid AI adoption elsewhere, even as it continues to develop AI tools for those who want them.

Early access and feedback

Users interested in testing the new controls ahead of the general release can try them through Firefox Nightly, Mozilla’s experimental build. The company is encouraging early feedback through Mozilla Connect to refine how the controls work in real-world use.

As AI becomes a default layer across the internet, Firefox’s AI controls represent a bet that transparency and choice can still be a competitive advantage. Whether that approach resonates widely may shape how browsers balance innovation and restraint in the years ahead.

We tested Gemini 3 and ChatGPT 5.2 with real prompts for writing, planning, explanations, and creativity. Here’s which AI is best for daily use.

The post Firefox to Give Users Full Control Over AI Features appeared first on eWEEK.