Firefox users can now completely disable every AI feature with a single toggle in version 148, delivering on Mozilla's promise of an "AI kill switch" for privacy-conscious browsers. The update arrives today following months of user backlash against forced AI integration across major browsers. Firefox's new CEO had publicly committed to an AI-focused strategy earlier this year, but version 148 includes a dedicated "AI Controls" section in settings that lets users block all enhancements with one click.
Flipping the "Block AI Enhancements" switch disables ChatGPT and other sidebar chatbots, AI link previews, smart tab group suggestions, and any other artificial intelligence tools included in recent releases. The setting applies retroactively to existing features and will automatically disable any new AI capabilities Mozilla adds in future updates.
Mozilla implemented the controls as a direct response to feedback from users who objected to browser makers pushing artificial intelligence without opt-out options.
The company had faced criticism after its new leadership announced plans to prioritize AI development, potentially alienating Firefox's core privacy-focused audience.
Beyond the headline feature, Firefox 148 improves accessibility for screen readers accessing mathematical formulas embedded in PDF documents. The browser also adds support for viewer local weather on the New Tab page and introduces a "Suggestions from Firefox" option in search settings that pulls web-based recommendations related to user queries.
Android users get a refreshed toolbar with modern design and improved customization support, plus a "Copy link text" context menu item. Windows 10 users who enable the "Clear history when Firefox closes" capability can now use Firefox Backup, though backups won't include data marked for automatic deletion.
For web developers, version 148 brings support for the Trusted Types API, CSS shape() function, Sanitizer API, service worker support for WebGPU, and several other technical improvements. The update also makes initial empty documents web-compatible and introduces joint iteration methods similar to zip functions in other programming languages.
Firefox 148 launched alongside Firefox 140.8 and 115.33.0 ESR releases on February 24th. Users can download the update directly from Mozilla's servers or wait for automatic distribution through standard browser update channels.
