Mozilla Adds Centralised AI Controls in Firefox 148 to Boost User Choice

Mozilla is set to give Firefox users far greater control over how artificial intelligence features operate inside the browser. With an upcoming update, the company will introduce a dedicated AI control centre that allows users to individually enable or disable AI tools—or completely opt out of generative AI features altogether.

The change will arrive with the Firefox 148 desktop update, scheduled to roll out on 24 February, and is aimed at responding to growing concerns around AI tools being activated by default without sufficient user consent.

Firefox 148 Update: What’s Changing?

Mozilla’s latest move reflects a broader push to prioritise transparency and user autonomy as AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday web browsing.

Release Timeline

• Firefox version: Firefox 148 (desktop)

• Rollout date: 24 February

The update introduces a unified approach to managing AI, making Firefox one of the first major browsers to offer centralised, user-first AI controls.

Centralised AI Controls in Firefox

In a blog post explaining the update, Mozilla said the new system will bring all AI-related settings into a single location within the browser.

One Control Hub for All AI Tools

From this central dashboard, users will be able to:

• View all AI features enabled in Firefox

• Toggle individual AI tools on or off

• Decide exactly which AI capabilities they want active

Mozilla acknowledged that many modern browsers automatically surface AI-powered tools—such as chatbots, summaries, or translation features—even when users have no intention of using them. Firefox’s redesigned settings aim to reverse that trend by ensuring users make those decisions themselves.

Full Opt-Out Option for Generative AI

Beyond individual feature toggles, Firefox will also introduce a global opt-out option for generative AI.

What the Full Opt-Out Does

• Disables all current generative AI features

• Automatically blocks any future AI tools from being enabled

• Eliminates the need to revisit settings after updates

This option is designed for users who prefer a more traditional, distraction-free browsing experience or who have concerns around AI usage, privacy, or performance.

AI Features Included at Launch

At launch, the new AI control hub will manage five core AI-powered features built into Firefox.

AI Tools Available in Firefox 148

• Built-in page translations

• Automatic alt text generation for PDFs

• AI-powered tab grouping

• Link previews

• A sidebar chatbot assistant

Each feature can be individually controlled, giving users granular flexibility over how AI appears in their browsing workflow.

Sidebar Chatbot: Multiple AI Providers Supported

One of the most flexible elements of Firefox’s AI update is the sidebar chatbot assistant.

Supported AI Services

The chatbot can connect to multiple AI providers, including:

• Claude

• ChatGPT

• Copilot

• Gemini

• Mistral’s Le Chat

Users can choose their preferred service rather than being locked into a single AI ecosystem—a contrast to approaches taken by some competing browsers.

Mozilla’s Focus on User Choice and Transparency

Mozilla positioned the update as part of its long-standing philosophy centred on openness, user rights, and informed consent.

The company said that as AI becomes increasingly embedded into browsing experiences, giving users clear and meaningful choices matters more than ever. Rather than forcing AI features into workflows, Firefox aims to let users decide how much—or how little—AI they want.

Why This Update Matters

The move comes amid growing scrutiny of how browsers and software platforms introduce AI tools. Critics have raised concerns about:

• AI features being enabled by default

• Lack of clear opt-out options

• Confusion around data usage and privacy

By introducing a single AI control centre and a permanent opt-out option, Firefox differentiates itself as a browser focused on user agency rather than AI-first design.

Conclusion

With the Firefox 148 update, Mozilla is taking a clear stand on how AI should be integrated into web browsers—on users’ terms. By offering centralised controls, granular feature toggles, and a complete opt-out for generative AI, Firefox gives people meaningful choice over their browsing experience.

As AI becomes a standard part of modern software, Mozilla’s approach highlights an alternative path—one where innovation and user control coexist. The update rolling out on 24 February could set a new benchmark for transparency and flexibility in AI-powered browsers.