Firefox will soon give users full control over the browser’s generative AI features, allowing them to block all AI-related functions or selectively disable specific ones. Starting with Firefox 148, set to roll out on February 24, a new AI controls section will be available in the desktop browser’s settings. This update responds to growing demand from users who want to avoid AI entirely or tailor their experience to include only the tools they find valuable. The “Block AI enhancements” toggle will allow users to disable all current and future AI features in Firefox. When enabled, this setting will prevent pop-ups, notifications, and prompts encouraging the use of AI tools. For those who want more granular control, the AI settings will let users manage individual features independently. These include AI-powered web translations, automatic alt text for images in PDFs, AI-enhanced tab grouping, link previews, and the AI chatbot in the sidebar. The sidebar chatbot supports multiple services, including Anthropic’s Claude, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral. Mozilla emphasized that the move reflects its commitment to user choice and transparency. “AI is changing the web, and people want very different things from it,” the company wrote in a blog post. “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.” The announcement follows the appointment of Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as Mozilla’s CEO in December. Enzor-DeMeo has stated that while Mozilla will continue to develop and integrate AI features into Firefox, they will remain optional and easy to disable. “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,” he wrote. This shift comes as Mozilla seeks to remain relevant in a competitive browser market. Once dominant alongside Google Chrome, Firefox now faces increasing competition from AI-native browsers like Perplexity, Arc, and Opera, as well as offerings from OpenAI and others. In response, Mozilla is doubling down on transparency and ethical innovation. CNBC reported that Mozilla President Mark Surman is building a coalition of tech startups, developers, and public-interest technologists to promote trustworthy AI and hold major players like OpenAI and Anthropic accountable. To support this mission, Mozilla plans to allocate around $1.4 billion in reserves to fund tech businesses and nonprofits, including its own initiatives, focused on advancing responsible AI development and oversight.