Mozilla has removed the “do not sell user data” promise from Firefox’s user agreement

Mozilla has removed multiple sections from its license agreement and FAQs that previously addressed user privacy. Specifically, statements asserting that Mozilla or Firefox does not sell user data have been eliminated. This change has sparked significant criticism and skepticism toward the company. Users started expressing concerns that it may now share data with advertisers or use it to train AI models. As a result, Mozilla faces accusations of potentially compromising user privacy, leading to widespread distrust among its user base.

Ajit Varma, Mozilla's vice president of product for Firefox, explained that a clause regarding the transfer of ownership of user data to Mozilla was misunderstood due to unclear wording. Additionally, references to Mozilla's pledge not to sell user data were removed because of legal complexities surrounding the term "sale of data."

Updated User Agreement

The updated User Agreement now clarifies that users grant Mozilla the necessary rights for Firefox to function properly. Data processing adheres to Mozilla's Privacy Notice, and users provide a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license for Mozilla to use content transmitted to Firefox. This allows Mozilla to process user requests while browsing. Importantly, these rights do not give Mozilla ownership of user-generated content.

Previously, the agreement mentioned granting Mozilla rights to use information for improving navigation, usability, and interaction with online content. However, this vague phrasing led to concerns about potential misuse of user data.

Changes to the FAQ Page

Adding to the confusion, Mozilla also removed the following FAQ entry:

"Does Firefox sell your personal data?"

- Original Answer: No. We never have and we never will. And we protect you from the many advertisers who do. Firefox products are designed to protect your privacy. Our Promise.

Other references to not selling user data were similarly removed. For example, answers to questions like "What is Firefox?" and "Is Firefox free?" were revised:

Original Answers

- What is Firefox? Firefox is the only popular browser supported by a nonprofit that doesn't sell your data to advertisers while helping you protect your privacy.

- Is Firefox free? Yes! Firefox is free. Really. No hidden fees or anything. You won't pay anything to use it, and we don't sell your personal data.*

Revised Answers

- What is Firefox? Firefox, the only major browser supported by a nonprofit, helps you protect your privacy.
- Is Firefox free? Firefox is not only safe to use but also helps protect your data and personal information. Firefox automatically blocks known third-party trackers, social media trackers, cryptominers, and fingerprinters.

These changes fueled speculation that Mozilla might be preparing to transfer user data for advertising or AI training, especially given its recent announcement of investments in promoting its own ad platform and developing artificial intelligence technologies.

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Ajit Varma clarified that the phrase "sale of data" has different interpretations depending on jurisdiction. In some regions, such as under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), "sale" is defined broadly as "the sale, lease, disclosure, communication, distribution, provision, or transfer of a consumer’s personal information from one business to another business or third party for monetary or other valuable consideration." Similar definitions exist in Virginia and Colorado.

Mozilla expressed concern that certain actions taken to ensure Firefox's commercial viability—such as collecting and sharing anonymized or aggregated data with partners for ad-serving or sponsored recommendations—might conflict with a strict commitment not to "sell" data. These activities are explicitly outlined in the Privacy Notice and involve only anonymized or aggregated data.

While the changes caused concern among users, Mozilla emphasized that its core commitment to protecting user privacy remains intact.