Mozilla Addresses User Concerns: Clarifying Data Use in the Wake of Backlash Over New Terms

Mozilla is addressing concerns raised by Firefox users about its new Terms of Use. Critics feel the wording gives Mozilla too much power over user data. However, Mozilla insists that the update doesn’t change how it uses data but aims to clarify users’ rights when using Firefox.

Recently, Mozilla rolled out new Terms of Use and an updated Privacy Notice for Firefox. The goal is to be transparent about user rights and to explain data practices in detail.

The company stated that it worked hard to make the new terms easy to read. In their blog, they wanted users to avoid any surprises about how they operate.

Despite these intentions, many users felt confused by the terms. Mozilla clarified that the new policy doesn’t allow them to own user data or use it outside the rules in the Privacy Notice.

Some users were particularly worried about language that suggests when you share information via Firefox, you’re giving Mozilla a wide-ranging license to use that data. Critics pointed out that this phrasing felt too vague and broad.

Brendan Eich, the co-founder of competing browser Brave Software, expressed his concern, calling the language into question. He hinted that Mozilla’s wording might be linked to a shift towards monetizing Firefox through user data.

TechCrunch sought clarity from Mozilla about whether user data is shared with AI companies or advertisers. Mozilla assured that its Privacy Notice applies to AI features and that content data isn’t sent anywhere other than the user’s device. Data shared with advertisers is de-identified.

Brandon Borrman, Mozilla’s VP of Communications, explained that the changes aren’t about using personal data for AI or selling it to advertisers. The terms only allow data use as described in the Privacy Notice.

The Privacy Notice indicates that Firefox may collect technical data on how users interact with AI chatbots.

If users want to use third-party AI chatbots through Firefox, their data will follow the chatbots’ own policies, not Mozilla’s. Most AI features in Firefox operate locally, meaning no content data leaves the user’s device.

Mozilla explained that it sells ads in Firefox to help fund browser development. They aim to create privacy-focused ad products that set industry standards. When ads are served on Firefox, user data is collected and shared only in an aggregated or de-identified manner according to the Privacy Notice.

Users can opt out of data sharing for ads by changing settings related to “technical and interaction data” on both desktop and mobile.

Mozilla clarified certain terms in the policy. The word “nonexclusive” means users can still control their data. “Royalty-free” indicates that since Firefox is free, there’s no money exchanged for data handling. “Worldwide” confirms that Firefox operates globally.

Even with these clarifications, users are likely to remain cautious about the broad phrasing. This doubt might lead some to switch browsers.

This concern comes at a sensitive time for Firefox, which already holds only a 2.54% share of the global browser market, trailing behind Chrome, Safari, and Edge.

Updated after publication for accuracy regarding Brandon Borrman’s statement.