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Mozilla Removes Key Data Protection Clause from User Agreement (Updated)

Mozilla Removes Key Data Protection Clause from User Agreement (Updated)

Arkadiy Andrienko
February 28, 2025, 05:46 PM

Mozilla, known for its strong stance on digital privacy, has introduced controversial changes to Firefox’s user agreement, raising concerns about the future of user confidentiality. The document no longer mentions the company’s previous pledge that it “does not sell personal data” — a cornerstone of its public commitments. Instead, the revised terms now allow the collection of information, including any content entered or uploaded through the browser.

Under the new terms, users automatically grant Mozilla a non-exclusive license to use any data entered via Firefox — from text messages to multimedia content. Although the phrasing “to enhance navigation and content interaction” remains vague, the updated agreement explicitly states that Mozilla will collect unique identifiers (digital “fingerprints”) and browsing history to “promote Mozilla services.”

Notably, Mozilla previously emphasized in its FAQ section: “We do not sell your data.” This assurance has now been removed, signaling a strategic shift. The company now reserves the right to share information with marketing partners, including Adjust and Google, to measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

Mozilla claims that data collection is necessary to improve security and functionality. While alternatives like Brave or Tor remain niche, and Safari and Edge also heavily integrate tracking, it appears that the era of “no hidden data collection” browsers is coming to an end. Even Mozilla, once a symbol of the open internet, is adapting to a market reality dominated by advertising.

UPDATE:

After a wave of backlash following changes to Firefox’s user agreement, Mozilla quickly published an explanation to clarify the situation.

Mozilla Removes Key Data Protection Clause from User Agreement (Updated)

In short, the license is only necessary to ensure the core functionality of Firefox and does not grant Mozilla any rights to your data or its usage outside the terms specified in the Privacy Notice.

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