Firefox released version 148 on February 24, introducing five optional AI features and a dedicated settings section to control them. The update includes a toggle to block all current and future AI enhancements, responding to user concerns about the technology’s integration into the browser.
The release follows a 2022 industry-wide shift toward generative AI that prompted Mozilla to announce plans to evolve Firefox into an AI browser. Mozilla CEO Anthony Enzor-Demeo addressed user feedback on the Firefox subreddit regarding these plans, responding to an open letter critical of the move that received over 5,000 upvotes. Enzor-Demeo assured users the company would offer a “clear way” to disable AI features, including a dedicated kill switch.
Firefox 148 introduces five specific AI features: Translations for web pages, Alt text generation for PDFs, AI-enhanced tab grouping, Link previews, and AI chatbot providers in the sidebar. The sidebar feature supports existing providers including Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral. These features are disabled by default and require user activation.
A new “AI controls” section appears in the desktop browser’s settings panel between “Sync” and “AI controls.” From this menu, users can disable individual features or all of them simultaneously. A “Block AI enhancements” toggle disables all current and future AI features and blocks related pop-ups or alerts.
Mozilla announced the new AI controls earlier in February 2026, prior to the February 24 release of Firefox 148. The update was detailed in a Lifehacker article published on February 26, 2026, which noted the browser’s approach to optional AI integration.
Mozilla develops and maintains the Firefox browser, which is a free, open-source product. Firefox version 148 is available for desktop platforms.
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