Firefox is developing an 'AI kill switch' that completely disables AI functionality
The web browser Firefox is working on strengthening its AI capabilities, but after receiving opposition from its user community, it has revealed that it is working on developing an AI kill switch that will completely disable the AI features.
Firefox will add an AI 'kill switch' after community pushback | TechSpot
https://www.techspot.com/news/110668-firefox-add-ai-kill-switch-after-community-pushback.html
In December 2025, Anthony Enzo DeMeo, who led the Firefox development team, was appointed as Mozilla's new CEO.
Mozilla's new CEO talks about the future of Firefox, prioritizing the 'best browser' while also integrating AI - GIGAZINE
Upon assuming the role of CEO, Enzo DeMeo stated that Firefox will evolve into a modern AI browser and grow into a broader ecosystem of trusted software. He also stated that 'AI should always be an option' and that 'Firefox must still pursue monetization.' While promising to incorporate AI features into Firefox, Enzo DeMeo also emphasized his commitment to user trust and choice.
Firefox users have not welcomed the attempt to turn Firefox into an AI browser. TechSpot, a technology media outlet, pointed out that 'AI features like chat AI and large-scale language models (LLMs) are black boxes with little transparency. AI and agent-based browsers have been widely criticized as posing a major security risk to the entire internet ecosystem.'
In response to criticism of its attempt to turn Firefox into an AI browser, Firefox posted on its official Mastodon account, ' What wasn't clear: Firefox will include an option to completely disable AI features. We're calling this feature the 'AI kill switch' internally. We'll avoid a more drastic name for the official release, but this is something we're committed to and committed to.' According to TechSpot, the AI kill switch is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2026.
The developer of Waterfox, a Firefox derivative, said that the browser will not include LLM at all. Moonchild, the developer of Pale Moon, said that he has no plans to add AI-based features in the near future. Vivaldi also opposes the active integration of AI features.
