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Firefox Debuts AI Controls in February Update, Putting User Choice First

Firefox Debuts AI Controls in February Update, Putting User Choice First
source: gettyimages
February 2, 2026

By Emma Roth

Mozilla is rolling out a February 24 update that adds a dedicated AI control feature in Firefox, letting users switch off or on individual AI capabilities. The new “AI control” switch appears in the browser’s settings, and it covers elements like the built-in AI chatbot, translations, AI-powered tab group recommendations, and more. Users can also decide whether AI should generate alt text for images in PDFs or pull out key points for link previews.

This move comes as Firefox joins Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome in expanding AI features across browsers. In recent months, Mozilla has tested tools such as a shake-to-summarize feature for iPhone users and is exploring an opt-in “AI Window” browsing experience that would use an AI assistant to help with searches. Mozilla CEO Anthony Enzor-DeMeo has argued there’s room for a trusted tech company to offer an AI-enabled browser, while stressing that users should have a choice.

Last December, Enzor-DeMeo signaled that Mozilla would provide an AI “kill switch” to address users who prefer to avoid AI entirely. The forthcoming controls are meant to honor that commitment by allowing users to disable current AI features and any that may appear in the future. The update also includes options to control AI-assisted tasks like alt text generation for PDFs and generating highlights from link previews.

Ajit Varma, Firefox’s vice president of product, underscored that feedback from the community shows a split: some users want nothing to do with AI, while others see value in AI tools. The new controls are Mozilla’s answer to those divergent needs, aimed at giving users precise control over how AI is used in their browsing experience.

AI is transforming how people interact with the web, and Mozilla’s approach emphasizes choice and user empowerment.

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