The integration of AI features into web browsers has drawn mixed reactions from users. Firefox has already added some AI-related capabilities, such as an AI chatbot directly in the sidebar, translations, tab group suggestions, and others, but it remains unclear how widely they are used or whether they genuinely improve the browsing experience.
Now, in an effort to manage expectations and, above all, to address users who strongly oppose AI built into the browser, Firefox is offering an alternative.
And more specifically, Mozilla has announced new AI Controls coming to Firefox 148, scheduled for release on February 24, 2026. The change introduces a dedicated AI controls section in the desktop browser’s settings, giving users a centralized way to manage or completely disable AI-powered features.
The good news for those who don’t want AI baked into their browsers is that Firefox 148 will let them block all current and future generative AI features with a single toggle labeled “Block AI enhancements.” When enabled, Firefox will no longer show prompts, suggestions, or reminders related to AI functionality.
For users who want a more selective approach, Firefox 148 will also offer per-feature controls. At launch, these include AI-powered translations, automatic alt text generation for images in PDFs, AI-assisted tab grouping, link previews, and the optional AI chatbot in the sidebar. The chatbot supports multiple providers, including Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Le Chat Mistral.
Mozilla says AI features in Firefox remain optional and can be enabled or disabled individually. Importantly, AI preferences set in Firefox 148 will persist across browser updates, ensuring users do not need to reconfigure settings after upgrading.
For more information, see Mozilla’s announcement.
