SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 3, 2026, 01:29 (PST)
- Firefox 148 brings new “AI controls,” launching on Feb. 24
- The new “Block AI enhancements” toggle lets you disable both current and upcoming generative AI tools
- Users retain the ability to manage features such as translations, link previews, and sidebar chatbots individually
Mozilla announced it will introduce a single toggle in Firefox to block all its built-in generative AI features, along with new controls to enable or disable individual AI tools. “AI is changing the web, and people want very different things from it,” Firefox product chief Ajit Varma said in a company blog post. Mozilla
The timing isn’t random. Browser makers are scrambling to integrate generative AI—tools that generate text and summaries from prompts—while some users are already pushing back against new features popping up where they browse, search, and read.
Mozilla is cutting through the noise with a clear message: you can use the browser without AI and still get the full experience. The company positioned this move as a way to put control back into users’ hands as AI becomes more common in everyday software.
A new AI controls page will be added to desktop settings, aiming to manage “current and future” generative AI features, according to TechCrunch. Anthony Enzor-DeMeo, who stepped in as CEO last December, has pushed for straightforward opt-outs, stating: “AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off.” The controls are set to launch with Firefox 148 on Feb. 24. Techcrunch
At launch, the controls span tools like translations, AI-generated “alt text” for PDFs (accessibility descriptions for images), AI-assisted tab grouping, and link previews that highlight key points before you open a page, Mozilla said.
They’ve also integrated an AI chatbot into the browser’s sidebar, which supports connections to third-party assistants like Anthropic’s Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral, Gizmodo reports. Mozilla told Gizmodo, “This lets you use Firefox without AI while we continue to build AI features for those who want them.” Gizmodo
Mozilla confirmed that flipping the master toggle will block pop-ups and AI feature prompts, with these preferences sticking through updates. Users can adjust the settings whenever they want.
Mozilla is pushing AI features while trying to set itself apart from other browsers. In the last year, Firefox introduced AI tools and followed larger rivals by integrating AI more thoroughly into its browser. This includes mobile AI summaries and an opt-in “AI Window” feature, according to The Verge. Theverge
Mozilla has introduced an “off” switch in response to user backlash after the company hinted at a stronger AI focus under its new leadership. This control aims to give users a simple way to steer clear of AI features altogether, without tracking down each one individually.
However, there are trade-offs. Flipping the switch that cuts out chatbots and previews also turns off features Mozilla has touted, like translations and accessibility text in PDFs. Plus, most users won’t see this change until the rollout on Feb. 24.
Mozilla confirmed it will continue developing AI features for users interested in them, while introducing new controls as a lasting safeguard for those who prefer to opt out.
