Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how people use the web, but not everyone feels the same way about it. Some users actively seek out AI-powered tools to boost productivity, while others prefer a browsing experience that stays completely AI-free. Acknowledging these different preferences, Mozilla is introducing a new feature that puts control firmly in users’ hands. Starting with Firefox 148, rolling out on February 24, AI controls will become part of the desktop browser, allowing users to decide exactly how — or if — AI features appear in their daily browsing.
With the upcoming update, Firefox will include a dedicated AI controls section within the browser’s settings. This new area acts as a central hub where users can review, manage, or completely block current and future generative AI features. The idea is simple: give users one clear place to make informed choices, without forcing AI on anyone who doesn’t want it.
Those who prefer a traditional browsing experience can use Firefox without AI entirely, while users who see value in specific AI tools can enable only the features they find useful.
At launch, Firefox’s AI controls allow users to manage each AI-powered feature separately rather than adopting an all-or-nothing approach. This flexibility makes it easier to tailor the browser to individual needs.
The initial set of AI features includes translations, which help users read content in their preferred language, and alt text generation in PDFs, improving accessibility by adding image descriptions. Firefox is also introducing AI-enhanced tab grouping, which suggests related tabs and even recommends group names to reduce clutter.
Other tools include link previews, which display key points from a page before opening it, and an AI chatbot in the sidebar. The chatbot feature supports multiple providers, including Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral, allowing users to choose the service they’re most comfortable with.
Users can turn any of these features on or off independently, mixing and matching based on their preferences.
For those who want nothing to do with AI, Firefox offers a straightforward solution. By enabling the Block AI enhancements toggle, users can completely disable all AI features in the browser. Once activated, Firefox will stop showing prompts, reminders, or suggestions related to existing or upcoming AI tools.
Importantly, these preferences are not temporary. Once set, AI choices remain in place across future Firefox updates, though users are free to revisit and change their settings at any time.
Mozilla’s decision reflects a broader philosophy that choice matters more than ever as AI becomes increasingly embedded in digital products. Rather than assuming a single approach works for everyone, Firefox aims to respect the full spectrum of user opinions — from AI enthusiasts to those who would rather avoid it altogether.
By offering transparent controls and long-term consistency, Firefox positions itself as a browser that adapts to users, not the other way around.
The arrival of AI controls in Firefox marks an important shift in how browsers handle artificial intelligence. Instead of quietly integrating AI features in the background, Firefox is making those tools visible, optional, and easy to manage. Whether you want a smarter browser with AI assistance or a clean, AI-free experience, Firefox 148 ensures the decision stays with you.
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