Mozilla CEO Anthony Enzor-DeMeo has announced that the Firefox browser will soon get an AI kill switch.
Feedback is sometimes taken seriously
Anthony Enzor-DeMeo was recently appointed as the new CEO of Mozilla Corporation, the company that oversees the development of the Firefox web browser. In his introductory blog post, Anthony mentioned that he looks forward to turning Firefox into a modern AI-powered browser. Contrary to what Anthony might have expected, a large number of Firefox users did not like the idea of turning the open-source browser into an AI-driven one.
A Firefox user made a post on Reddit titled "An open letter to Mozilla's new CEO." The gist of the post was that Firefox doesn't need AI features and should instead focus on features that really matter while also fixing functions that are currently broken. Many other Redditors expressed their support for the post and shared why they believe AI features are definitely not something Firefox users are currently looking forward to.
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Firefox CEO Anthony commented under the post, first appreciating the input and feedback from Firefox users. He then mentioned that "Firefox will always remain a browser built around user control." As such, an AI kill switch will be introduced in Q1 of 2026. Enabling this switch will turn off all AI features that the browser offers. One of Firefox's developers, Jake Archibald, added that the "AI kill switch" will likely have a less intimidating name when it's live rather than actually being called "AI kill switch."
You may wonder why long-term Firefox users are against AI in Firefox. Google has introduced plenty of AI-powered features to Chrome, such as Help me write and Create themes with AI. Microsoft has integrated Copilot into its Edge browser. So, what's the issue with Firefox following the trend and coming up with some AI-powered features?
There's a reason users install Firefox on their smartphones or desktops instead of relying on built-in browsers like Chrome or Safari. Firefox is one of the few browsers that have always prioritized users' choice and privacy. However, that could change with the introduction of AI features, as privacy and AI are two terms that don't often go hand in hand.
It's also anticipated that the introduction of AI features will put a load on the browser, which will ultimately affect its speed. Many Firefox users believe that the company is drifting away from its core value of being a privacy-focused browser in order to join the AI bandwagon.
What AI features does Firefox offer?
AI window option in Mozilla Firefox. | Image by Mozilla
Unlike other browsers like Chrome or AI-centric ones like ChatGPT Atlas, Firefox currently offers a limited number of AI features. You can use AI in the browser to get tab suggestions and name recommendations for tab groups. The browser has also experimented with AI summarization tools and writing aids similar to Chrome's Help me write feature.
A Shake to Summarize feature was also introduced to Firefox iOS version recently. I actually like this feature a lot and have used it on my iPhone 17 to summarize long web pages just by shaking the device. Mozilla also announced that it is introducing an AI window in Firefox.
The AI window will work a bit differently than a normal or private browser window. In it, you can reportedly chat with an AI assistant and use its help to browse the internet. The feature isn't available yet, but you can join the waitlist to be among the first users to try it.
Which is the most important factor for you when choosing a browser?
Its performance.
9.09%
How it manages your privacy.
63.64%
The features and customization it offers.
27.27%
Its compatibility.
0%
Someone needs to stick to the basics
I'm not against AI, but on any given day, I'll value my privacy more than anything AI features can offer. That's why Firefox is the default browser on my daily drivers – my Windows PC and Pixel 10. The Firefox CEO's announcement about evolving Firefox into an AI browser raised some red flags for me as well. I was concerned that Firefox might eventually become like its competitors, whose main priority lately has been to introduce more and more AI features.
Thankfully, an AI kill switch will be available that will allow me to use Firefox the way I like – without any AI functions. Browsers like Chrome and Edge do let you disable their AI features, but there isn't a single, simple switch that turns off all AI functions in them.
All that said, I can also understand Mozilla's intention behind adding AI features to the browser, as that's the current trend, and there are certainly many Firefox users who would actually appreciate these functions. Users who like the Firefox AI features will keep the switch disabled, while others will enable it to enjoy an AI-free browsing experience.
Aman Kumar is a tech news writer with a long-standing passion for smartphones. Aman specializes in everything smartphones, from AI features like Pixel’s Camera Coach to understanding ideal hardware combinations. He loves breaking down complex features in a simple, clear way and hopes manufacturers bring back bold designs like the Nokia N-Gage. When he’s not writing, he’s either gaming on PUBG or talking fitness as a dedicated gym enthusiast.
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