143
Firefox is adding a switch to turn AI features off
(www.theverge.com)
It should be opt-in, not opt-out.
Ideally, but it's a step in the right direction
Overall, it would be cool if it asked that on first launch.
I'm okay with Opt-Out so long as it's clearly marked.
I shouldn't have to go into the config or click through 7 layers of UI just to opt out.
That said, this is a reminder that Firefox is no longer open source. It's source available and you should use Waterfox or LibreWolf if you want a browser based on Firefox but without AI out of the box.
That said, this is a reminder that Firefox is no longer open source. It's source available
How so? It's still licensed under the MPL, an open source license.
Mozilla are using a similar model to Microsoft and open sourcing Firefox code under the MPL while distributing the executable under a new Terms of Service.
Firefox (the executable) is no longer considered FOSS since they can revoke your license at anytime. I posted a comment that details my personal view of this change.
TL;DR: they would have only done this if they planned on farming user data. And last month announced that they intend to do just that.
"Would you like an opt-out in these trying times?"
It's because of opt-out that these are trying times, you sonofabitch.
What exactly are the AI features everyone is talking about? The only one I've encountered is the "long click to preview link" and it's... not super useful but far from annoying like Copilot.
Yeah all I have is a useless summarize button that I just don’t click. If I needed it I would, seems useful. But I don’t really need it for anything. I like to read.
Right, exactly. It also takes 3-4 seconds to load in which time I could have just middle clicked and loaded it in the background. Maybe on mobile I'd use it but only in rare circumstances.
Is there an alternative at this point? I tried Brave on a recommendation and its got AI integrated from default with opt out required.
Been using LibreWolf for a few months now and have no regrets.
And also Zen browser, also Firefox fork. Quite a few options exist.
There's Vivaldi which is Chromium and not open source, but AFAIK is currently the only big browser that is explicitly not going to include AI features.
this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
143 points (99.3% liked)
Technology
42119 readers
439 users here now
A nice place to discuss rumors, happenings, innovations, and challenges in the technology sphere. We also welcome discussions on the intersections of technology and society. If it’s technological news or discussion of technology, it probably belongs here.
Remember the overriding ethos on Beehaw: Be(e) Nice. Each user you encounter here is a person, and should be treated with kindness (even if they’re wrong, or use a Linux distro you don’t like). Personal attacks will not be tolerated.
Subcommunities on Beehaw:
This community's icon was made by Aaron Schneider, under the CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.
founded 4 years ago
MODERATORS