Firefox 148, shipping February 24, introduces a "Block AI enhancements" toggle that disables all current and future generative AI features in one click. The master switch is off by default - users must actively choose to block.
The new AI controls section in desktop settings also allows granular management: Translations, PDF alt text generation, AI-enhanced tab grouping, link previews, and sidebar chatbots (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Le Chat Mistral) can each be toggled individually. Settings persist across updates.
This aligns with CEO Anthony Enzor-DeMeo's December 2025 stance on optional AI, positioning Mozilla against Chrome's integrated Gemini approach. The company frames it as user choice - Mozilla still invests in AI development but promises transparency over forced adoption.
The enterprise angle
For CIOs evaluating browser deployments, Firefox's opt-out model offers policy flexibility Chrome doesn't match. Government and regulated industries dealing with data sovereignty concerns get cleaner audit trails when AI features are disabled at the settings level rather than through enterprise GPOs.
The trade-off: Firefox holds roughly 3% global browser share. Betting on Mozilla means accepting minority deployment headaches - SSO integrations, web app testing, support tickets from users hitting compatibility issues.
What's unsaid
Mozilla forum users flagged that blocking AI triggers confirmation pop-ups - not exactly frictionless for users who explicitly opted out. Whether this is dark pattern UX or sensible guardrails depends on your cynicism level.
The bigger question: Is this genuine user respect or hedging against AI backlash? Mozilla's "rebel alliance" rhetoric sounds good, but they're still building the features they're offering to block. That's not Luddism - it's a bet both ways.
The feature is live in Firefox Nightly builds now. We'll see if enterprise IT departments care enough about AI opt-outs to revisit browser standards. History suggests inertia wins.