Firefox browser to add 'AI off-switch,' bucking industry trend
New AI controls are coming to the Firefox browser, the Mozilla Corporation has announced — including the ability to turn off generative AI features entirely.
The open-source Firefox, in other words, has created what users overwhelmed by AI slop and hallucinations have been waiting for: the ability to totally turn off generative AI features.
"Mozilla’s approach to AI is grounded in the same principles that have long defined Firefox: real user choice and control," said Ajit Varma, Head of Firefox, in an email statement to Mashable. "At a time when much of the industry is moving toward closed, AI-driven ecosystems, we’re taking a different path, one that puts people, not platforms, in charge."
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In a blog post announcing the update, the non-profit-owned tech company details how AI controls will give Firefox users the ability to "block current and future generative AI features." Users who want to block all generative AI features will also be able to toggle a setting called "Block AI enhancements."
The new AI controls will go into effect on Feb. 24 with the introduction of Firefox 148.
In a statement to Mashable, Varma said the AI controls feature was inspired by user feedback:
We’ve heard clearly from our users: some who don’t want AI, while others want the ability to decide exactly how and when it shows up in their browser. AI controls are how we deliver on that commitment. With these controls, users can choose whether to use AI-enhanced features in Firefox or block them entirely and stay in control as new AI capabilities are introduced over time.
Why Firefox's AI controls are so unusual
Like it or not, we're still very much living in the ChatGPT era. As AI superfans embrace all things generative AI, many AI critics and skeptics are growing tired of the endless AI integrations. Tech giants like Samsung, Google, and Microsoft are integrating AI features into every facet of online life.
Laptops and PCs now come with Copilot pre-installed. Google has integrated AI overviews and AI Mode into its search tool and Gemini into Chrome. The latest mobile phones from Samsung are now "AI smartphones," with a full suite of generative AI features. Samsung is even putting AI in washing machines, TVs, and refrigerators, leaving no device untouched.
For users who want less artificial intelligence — or even, gasp, no artificial intelligence — the technology is increasingly difficult to avoid. For instance, there's no way to fully remove the AI assistant Copilot from Windows laptops.
But Firefox users will be able to control individual AI settings, including:
Translations
Alt text in PDFs
AI-enhanced tab grouping
Link previews
AI chatbot in the sidebar
Mozilla also released a video showing how AI controls will work.
UPDATE: Feb. 3, 2026, 2:34 p.m. EST This article has been updated with a statement from Ajit Varma, Head of Firefox, sent to Mashable by email.
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Timothy Beck Werth is the Tech Editor at Mashable, where he leads coverage and assignments for the Tech and Shopping verticals. Tim has over 15 years of experience as a journalist and editor, and he has particular experience covering and testing consumer technology, smart home gadgets, and men’s grooming and style products. Previously, he was the Managing Editor and then Site Director of SPY.com, a men's product review and lifestyle website. As a writer for GQ, he covered everything from bull-riding competitions to the best Legos for adults, and he’s also contributed to publications such as The Daily Beast, Gear Patrol, and The Awl.
Tim studied print journalism at the University of Southern California. He currently splits his time between Brooklyn, NY and Charleston, SC. He's currently working on his second novel, a science-fiction book.
