Mozilla plans to introduce an extensive “Block AI enhancements” toggle for Firefox, giving users unprecedented control over artificial intelligence features in the browser.
Firefox’s new AI kill switch puts control where it belongs: in users’ hands.
This new global kill switch, arriving with Firefox 148 on February 24, 2026, will disable all current and future AI features with a single click. The feature comes as a direct response to user feedback about AI integration in browsers.
The toggle will appear in a dedicated AI controls section within Firefox settings. When enabled, it blocks all AI features including translations, PDF image descriptions, AI tab grouping, link previews, and the sidebar AI chatbot that works with services like Claude, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini.
Users won’t see any pop-ups or reminders about AI features when the switch is on. Mozilla’s approach differs from competitors like Chrome and Edge. While those browsers continue pushing AI features, Firefox is emphasizing user choice. This decision appears well-timed as a recent DuckDuckGo survey revealed 90% of respondents reject AI features in their browsing experience.
“AI should always be a choice,” says the company, positioning itself as the browser that gives users more control. Firefox head Ajit Varma explains they want to provide clear, simple choices – including the choice to have no AI at all.
The toggle defaults to off when first installed, reflecting users’ previous choices about individual features. Settings will persist across browser updates, eliminating the need for reconfiguration. For those who want some AI features but not others, selective enablement remains an option.
Beyond user choice, the kill switch offers security and privacy benefits. When enabled, the feature helps prevent blocks triggered by malformed data that could otherwise cause security issues. When disabled, Firefox won’t transmit data to third-party AI services, reducing the risk of sensitive information exposure.
It also addresses cybersecurity concerns related to generative AI attack vectors. The feature will debut first in Firefox Nightly for community testing before the full release.
Mozilla announced the change on February 2, 2026, focusing initially on desktop browsers with no mention of mobile implementation. This move represents part of Mozilla’s commitment to user choice in an increasingly AI-dominated browsing landscape.
References
- https://cxotoday.com/news-analysis/mozilla-listens-to-user-backlash-adds-genai-kill-switch-in-firefox/
- https://cybernews.com/ai-news/firefox-turn-off-ai-features/
- https://www.theregister.com/2026/02/03/firefox_ai_kill_switch/
- https://cyberpress.org/mozilla-unveils-disable-all-firefox-ai-features/
- https://techcrunch.com/2026/02/02/firefox-will-soon-let-you-block-all-of-its-generative-ai-features/
- https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/mozilla-will-let-you-turn-off-all-firefox-ai-features/
