Firefox 148 incorporates a large switch to disable AI in the browser.

Mozilla has decided to make a major change in the way it integrates artificial intelligence within FirefoxAfter weeks of criticism and debate within the community, the organization has confirmed that the next major version of the browser, Firefox 148 will come with a clear system for controlling these features. and, if the user prefers, turn them off completely in a simple way.

The novelty materializes in a switch to block all AI upgradesDesigned for those who don't want these types of tools to be part of their daily browsing experience. Instead of disabling each function separately, The user will be able to completely cut off any current and future integration., keeping Firefox as a classic browser without additional automation.

Firefox 148: Release date and arrival of new controls

Mozilla has indicated that these changes will be incorporated with the Firefox 148 releaseThe feature is scheduled for release on February 24th. It is initially being tested in the Nightly builds of the browser and will be rolled out to the stable channel after testing and adjustments are completed.

The company emphasizes that the The configuration chosen by each user will be maintained between updates, so the process won't need to be repeated after each new version. Even so, those who change their minds in the future can modify these settings at any time from the settings menu, without complicated steps or hidden options.

The decision comes at a time when most browsers are intensively incorporating generative AI functions, and in which many European users are demanding more choice and clarity regarding which tools are activated and what data is used.

This is how Firefox's new "AI Controls" panel works

Starting with Firefox 148, the browser will include a new, dedicated settings section called "AI Controls"accessible from the settings panel. This will be the central location from which manage all AI capabilities, both the current ones and those that will arrive over time.

Within this panel, a key setting will appear: the switch. "Block AI improvements"By enabling it, Firefox will stop showing new artificial intelligence features, prevent pop-ups recommending you try them, and disable existing tools that fall into this category.

Just below that global button, Mozilla will offer a list of Individual controls for each functionThose who do not want to use the "all or nothing" approach will have the option to allow certain features and reject others, customizing the browser without having to navigate through different menus.

The idea, according to Mozilla, is that the user can use Firefox without any AI function if desiredMeanwhile, the development team continues working on new capabilities for those who do want to take advantage of them. It's an intermediate approach that attempts to reconcile the pressure to advance artificial intelligence with respect for different user profiles.

Artificial intelligence functions that can be managed

The new control options are not limited to a single tool. Mozilla has detailed a series of specific AI-based functions which can be activated or deactivated from the new panel, either globally or individually.

These functions include, for example, the built-in browser translationsThese allow browsing pages in other languages ​​by displaying the content in the user's preferred language, something especially useful in Europe, where it is common to switch between several languages ​​daily.

Another relevant feature is the generation of alternative text in PDF documentsThis tool creates descriptions for images embedded in PDFs, facilitating accessibility for people with visual impairments and improving navigation assisted by screen readers, a point that is increasingly valued in European regulations.

Also included is AI-enhanced tab groupingThis feature suggests how to organize related tabs and proposes names for groups. For those who work with many open tabs, this function can help maintain some order, although not all users want an algorithm interfering with their organization.

Finally, Firefox's AI is also used to display link previewsoffering the key points of a page before opening it. In addition, the browser includes the option of a AI chatbot in sidebar, which can be used while browsing, with compatibility with different external assistants.

Chatbots available in the sidebar and user selection

In the specific case of the chatbot integrated into the sidebar, Firefox offers the option to choose between several services. These include: Claude from Anthropic, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini and Le Chat Mistralall accessible without having to leave the browser.

The presence of these assistants allows, for example, Summarize lengthy texts, formulate queries about the page being read or generate quick drafts while working online. However, these same capabilities have raised concerns among some users, who fear excessive use of their data or overly intrusive integration.

With the new controls, any user will be able to completely hide the chatbot option If you don't want to see it even occasionally, instead of disabling providers one by one, simply use the lock switch or disable the specific function within "AI Controls".

Mozilla insists that this way of managing attendees seeks to balance two realities: some value having a AI companion while you navigateAnd some people simply don't want to see these kinds of integrations when they open their browser. The new system attempts to accommodate both profiles in a single product.

Privacy, data and trust after the shift towards AI

The debate about incorporating artificial intelligence into browsers is closely linked to the concern about privacy and data handlingThis is a particularly sensitive issue in Europe due to current regulations. Firefox, which has traditionally presented itself as a user protection-focused option, has been forced to explain how this new approach fits with its founding principles.

In general terms, Mozilla collects certain usage data to improve its products, which now includes AI-powered features. Depending on which tools are active, this information can range from interactions with chatbots, including the use of translations or previewsHence, the new global AI switch is also interpreted as a way to easily limit the scope of data collection associated with these features.

The organization encourages reviewing the privacy policy and official documentation To understand in detail what information is processed and for what purpose, something increasingly relevant for users and European regulatory bodies. Offering a button to disable these functions is seen as a gesture to maintain its image as a privacy-friendly browser in line with the introduction of emerging technologies.

Alongside the technical announcement, Mozilla has promoted what it describes as a "rebel alliance" It is comprised of open-source developers, startups, public interest organizations, and philanthropists. The goal of this initiative is to influence how AI is integrated into the web and browsers, preventing it from remaining solely in the hands of large technology companies.

Mozilla's change of direction and the community's reaction

The arrival of Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as the new CEO of Mozilla marked a turning point. From the beginning of his tenure, he made it clear that The future of browsing in Firefox would involve AIbetting on making the browser a more modern and capable tool through these types of technologies.

This stance generated a mixed response among users across the region, including many in Spain who have been using Firefox as their primary browser for years. A significant portion of the community expressed reluctant to integrate AI too deeply, fearing that the classic development of the browser would be relegated to the background and that the character of a lightweight, customizable and privacy-focused tool would be diluted.

The criticism was especially visible in forums, social media, and support channels, where users were demanding a clearer system for rejecting these new features. Mozilla responded by announcing that there would be a "kill switch" or total switch to disable everything related to artificial intelligence within Firefox, a promise that is now being fulfilled with the controls in Firefox 148.

The company openly acknowledges that, although it is convinced that AI will transform the web, Not all users want that change at the same pace or in the same wayTherefore, the new system is also presented as an attempt to regain some of the lost trust and to offer a clear way out to those who do not share this direction.

At the same time, Mozilla maintains that Firefox will continue to incorporate new features in this area, so that the debate on the suitability and scope of AI in the browser will continue to be relevant in the coming years, especially in environments where regulation and sensitivity regarding data protection are stricter.

After all this movement, Firefox 148 is shaping up to be a key version for Mozilla's browser: it combines the drive towards new artificial intelligence capabilities With a set of controls designed to put the user back in control, those who want to experiment with advanced translations, previews, and chatbots will find it easier; those who prefer a browser without any trace of AI can achieve this with a single switch. This ability to choose is poised to become one of the most important factors when deciding which browser to use on a daily basis.

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Alberto Navarro

I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.

If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.