Mozilla has introduced Terms of Use for Firefox

Mozilla has introduced Terms of Use for the Firefox browser, in addition to the existing open-source MPL (Mozilla Public License). These terms highlights the requirements users must agree to before using Firefox.

 

Starting in March , new users will be required to confirm their agreement with the Terms of Use. Existing users will also need to agree to these terms at a later date.

Purpose of the Terms of Use

The Terms of Use establish a legal agreement between Mozilla and its users. Under this agreement:

• Mozilla grants users a license to install and use precompiled builds of Firefox (the executable code).
• In return, users grant Mozilla certain rights necessary for the browser's operation, including:
  • The right to process data according to Mozilla's Privacy Notice .
  • The right to act on behalf of the user to facilitate web navigation.
• By entering or uploading information into Firefox, users provide Mozilla with a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use that information to enhance navigation, improve user experience, and interact with content.

Mozilla has also updated its Privacy Notice to clarify the types of data collected and how it is used. Firefox collects data such as unique identifiers, interaction history, settings, location information, and technical details.

This data is used to:

• Display ads on the new tab page.
• Analyze browser usage.
• Improve search functionality.
• Promote Mozilla products and services.
• Serve sponsored content in features like Review Checker.

Finally, with user consent, Mozilla may share data with marketing partners (e.g., Adjust and Google) to evaluate and enhance advertising campaigns.
Previously, data sharing for marketing purposes was described more broadly, with anonymization noted. The new version specifies that data may be used for displaying ads, analyzing usage, and improving search.

Firefox includes settings that allow users to opt out of data sharing if they prefer not to participate. To comply with laws and ensure security, Mozilla reserves the right to process all types of data for detecting and preventing malicious or illegal activities, protecting against unauthorized access, and maintaining and improving browser functionality and security.

Closing words

Mozilla's new Terms of Use aim to clarify the relationship between users and the company while adapting to modern technological and legal standards.

Users gain transparency about data collection and usage but must agree to share certain rights with Mozilla for the browser to function effectively.
The updated Privacy Notice provides detailed information about data handling, including optional marketing partnerships and user controls for data sharing.

Firefox 135, the stable version of Firefox, which was released earlier this month, includes security measures to prevent websites from flooding their browsing history. The browser also now enables certificate transparency on desktop platforms, and AI chatbots in the sidebar that are now broadly available.