Mozilla Introduces AI Controls in Firefox 148, Allowing Users to Disable AI Features

Mozilla has announced that starting with Firefox 148, set for release on February 24, users will have the ability to manage or disable AI features through a new AI controls section in the browser's settings. This update introduces a "Block AI enhancements" toggle, enabling users to turn off all current and future AI functionalities. Additionally, users can individually manage features such as translations, alt text in PDFs, AI-enhanced tab grouping, link previews, and the AI chatbot sidebar, which supports services like Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral.

Ajit Varma, head of Firefox, stated, "AI is changing the web, and people want very different things from it. 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 AI controls are designed to persist across browser updates, ensuring that user preferences remain intact. Mozilla is also seeking feedback from users through Firefox Nightly to refine these features further.