Anthony Enzor-DeMeo, the new Chief Executive Officer of Mozilla Corporation, has confirmed that Firefox will maintain full user control over artificial intelligence functionality. The browser will include the ability to disable all AI features, with this capability scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026.
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Jake Archibald, Mozilla’s lead for web developer relations, stated that AI functionality will operate on an explicit opt-in basis. Users will likely activate these features through a dedicated button on the browser toolbar. Additionally, Firefox will implement an "AI kill switch," which upon activation will remove all AI-related capabilities from the interface and prevent their reappearance.
Mozilla's Strategic Shift Toward AI Investment
Earlier this month, Anthony Enzor-DeMeo assumed the role of CEO of Mozilla Corporation following his tenure as Senior Vice President of Firefox, a position he held since December 2024. Prior to joining Mozilla, Enzor-DeMeo served as Head of Product at Roofstock. His responsibilities at Mozilla included oversight of Firefox development and associated business initiatives. He succeeds Laura Chambers, who served as interim CEO from March 2024.
Shortly after that, Mozilla announced plans to invest in artificial intelligence over the next three years. The company aims to diversify its revenue streams beyond search engine royalty agreements. Mozilla says that AI has already transformed how individuals search for information, make purchases, and reach decisions. The organization intends to meet user demand for transparency and privacy in AI interactions by positioning Firefox as a trustworthy and independent product aligned with a user-first business model.
Waterfox Founder Criticizes Firefox's AI Direction
Alex Kontos, founder of Waterfox, a Firefox-based browser emphasizing privacy, performance, and minimalism, stated that his project will not integrate large language model functionality in the foreseeable future, particularly in the form Mozilla proposes.
Kontos argues that Mozilla commits a fundamental strategic error by repositioning Firefox as an AI-centric browser. While acknowledging Mozilla’s intent to remain competitive with other browsers that actively incorporate AI, he contends that targeting mainstream users risks alienating Firefox’s core audience of advanced users, developers, and technical professionals.
According to Kontos, past market share declines correlate with the addition of features irrelevant to Firefox’s primary user base. He asserts that Mozilla’s public emphasis on trust, transparency, and user autonomy contradicts the planned integration of an opaque AI layer, which would insert an intermediary between the user and direct browser interaction.
Waterfox may still adopt localized machine learning systems, such as those used for language translation, provided they operate entirely on the user’s device.
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