Mozilla is taking a different approach to how artificial intelligence (AI) works inside its Firefox browser. Starting later this month, Firefox users will be able to disable all AI-powered features completely — or selectively enable only the ones they want — following strong feedback from users who prefer a simpler, AI-free browsing experience.
The new controls will launch with Firefox 148, scheduled for release on February 24, and will be available on desktop versions of the browser.
A One-Click ‘Block AI’ Switch
At the center of the update is a new setting called “Block AI enhancements,” which allows users to disable all current and future generative AI features from a single location in the browser’s settings.
Once enabled, the setting will also stop pop-ups and reminders encouraging users to try AI tools. Mozilla says these preferences will remain in place even after browser updates, though users can change them at any time.
“We’ve heard from many who want nothing to do with AI. We’ve also heard from others who want AI tools that are genuinely useful. Listening to our community, alongside our ongoing commitment to offer choice, led us to build AI controls,” announced Ajit Varma, Head of Firefox, in a blog post published on Monday.
Manage AI Features Individually
For users who don’t want to disable AI entirely, Firefox will also allow individual control over specific AI-powered features. At launch, users can manage the following tools separately:
- Translations, which help users browse websites in their preferred language
- Alt text in PDFs, which adds accessibility descriptions to images
- AI-enhanced tab grouping, suggesting related tabs and group names
- Link previews that show key points before opening a webpage
- AI chatbot in the sidebar, including ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral
This lets users keep specific AI features enabled that they find useful while blocking the rest.
AI Controls Will Be Off By Default
When the new AI controls become available, the “Block AI enhancements” option will be turned off by default, meaning users must actively choose to disable AI. Mozilla says the settings will reflect each user’s existing preferences. Features previously used will appear as enabled, while previously disabled features will remain blocked. New features will be listed as available but not active.
Rolling Out First To Nightly Users
The feature will first appear in Firefox Nightly, Mozilla’s experimental testing version, before reaching all desktop users later this month. Mozilla is encouraging early users to share feedback through Mozilla Connect, its community feedback platform.
A Clear Stand On User Choice
The announcement follows earlier comments from Mozilla’s new CEO, Anthony Enzor-DeMeo, who said that Firefox users would always have the option to turn off AI features.
“Every product we build must give people agency in how it works. Privacy, data use, and AI must be clear and understandable. Controls must be simple. AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off. People should know why a feature works the way it does and what value they get from it,” Enzor-DeMeo said in December last year.
Standing Apart In An AI-Heavy Browser Market
While many major browsers are rapidly embedding AI tools with limited opt-out options, Mozilla is positioning Firefox as a more user-centric alternative. By offering a clear, centralized way to disable AI, the company is catering to users who feel overwhelmed by constant AI integrations.
For Firefox users, the message is clear: AI is optional — and staying in control is the priority.
