During our recent developer meeting, we discussed Mozilla Firefox’s concerning changes in user data handling and privacy policies. The team raised serious objections to Firefox’s new approach, which includes opaque data collection practices, the potential commercialization of user data, and unannounced modifications to critical privacy settings during updates—behavior that violates the principles of open-source transparency and user consent.
Mozilla’s increasing reliance on AI integrations, combined with these questionable privacy practices, strays from ethical open-source standards. After a thorough discussion, the team unanimously agreed that continuing to support Firefox under these conditions is no longer justifiable.
Key Decisions:
- Discontinuation of Firefox:
- We will phase out Firefox across all development environments and recommended systems due to its erosion of user trust and privacy.
- Adoption of LibreWolf:
- LibreWolf, a privacy-respecting fork of Firefox, will replace it as our default browser. LibreWolf removes telemetry, enforces strict tracking protection, and ensures user control over settings—aligning with our commitment to open-source and privacy-focused software.
- No Rebranding to “Gnoppix-Browser”:
- Even though we may contribute custom patches or improvements to LibreWolf’s codebase, we have decided not to rebrand it as a “Gnoppix-Browser.” Maintaining the original name ensures clarity, avoids fragmentation, and respects the LibreWolf project’s identity while still allowing us to integrate necessary modifications.
Next Steps:
- Document the migration process for all team members.
- Update internal policies to designate LibreWolf as the standard browser.
- Monitor Mozilla’s future changes but remain committed to this decision unless substantial policy reversals occur.
This transition reinforces our dedication to software that prioritizes user autonomy, transparency, and ethical open-source practices.