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Mozilla Updates Firefox Terms of Use Following Backlash Over Data Rights

Mozilla, the organization behind the Firefox web browser, has revised its Terms of Use for the second time in a week

March 03, 2025

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Mozilla Updates Firefox Terms of Use Following Backlash Over Data Rights

Mozilla, the organization behind the Firefox web browser, has revised its Terms of Use for the second time in a week following public criticism over language that appeared to grant the company extensive rights over user-uploaded content. The updated terms clarify Mozilla’s data handling practices and reinforce its stance on user privacy.

Revised Terms of Use for Firefox

The latest revision explicitly states that Mozilla only retains the rights necessary to operate Firefox and process user data as described in its Privacy Notice. The new wording reads:

“You give Mozilla the rights necessary to operate Firefox. This includes processing your data as we describe in the Firefox Privacy Notice. It also includes a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license for the purpose of doing as you request with the content you input in Firefox. This does not give Mozilla any ownership in that content.”

This marks a significant shift from the previous version, which came into effect on February 26, 2025, and originally stated:

“When you upload or input information through Firefox, you hereby grant us a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use that information to help you navigate, experience, and interact with online content as you indicate with your use of Firefox.”

The prior wording sparked concerns that Mozilla was overreaching in its data collection, potentially giving itself rights to user data in ways that were not clearly defined.

Mozilla’s Response to Privacy Concerns

Mozilla’s Vice President of Product, Ajit Varma, addressed these concerns, acknowledging that the initial wording was too broad and created unnecessary confusion.

“We've been listening to some of our community's concerns with parts of the TOU, specifically about licensing. Our intent was just to be as clear as possible about how we make Firefox work, but in doing so we also created some confusion and concern.”

Mozilla reaffirmed that it does not sell or buy user data. However, it noted that data privacy laws vary across jurisdictions, and in some cases, legal definitions of "selling" data include broader interpretations—such as when personal data is shared in exchange for a service rather than direct monetary compensation.

Advertising and Data Sharing Practices

Mozilla also clarified its existing data-sharing policies, particularly regarding its optional advertisements on the New Tab page and sponsored search suggestions. The company uses these methods as revenue streams while striving to maintain transparency with users.

Additionally, Mozilla addressed concerns regarding third-party AI chatbots integrated into Firefox. While the company does not access user conversations with AI assistants, it does collect usage data such as:

  • How often each chatbot provider is selected

  • How frequently suggested prompts are used

  • The length of text interactions

Mozilla emphasized its commitment to privacy-preserving techniques, including Oblivious HTTP (OHTTP) and data aggregation to ensure personally identifiable information is not shared with advertisers or partners.

“Whenever we share data with our partners, we put a lot of work into making sure that the data that we share is stripped of potentially identifying information, or shared only in the aggregate, or is put through our privacy-preserving technologies (like OHTTP),” Varma explained.

Growing Privacy Concerns in the Industry

Mozilla’s Terms of Use controversy comes at a time when tech giants are facing increasing scrutiny over privacy policies. Notably, Google’s recent ad tracking policy changes, which allow IP address-based fingerprinting, have drawn sharp criticism from regulators and privacy watchdogs.

The U.K.’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has labeled Google's update as “irresponsible,” warning that such tracking methods could undermine consumer privacy by enabling companies to track users across platforms without explicit re-identification.

“Organizations seeking to deploy fingerprinting techniques for advertising will need to demonstrate how they are complying with the requirements of data protection law,” the ICO stated. “These include providing users with transparency, securing freely given consent, ensuring fair processing, and upholding information rights such as the right to erasure.”

Final Thoughts

Mozilla’s swift revision of its Terms of Use highlights the growing importance of user trust and transparency in data handling. As digital privacy concerns continue to evolve, companies must strike a delicate balance between functionality, monetization, and user security.

By refining its policies and engaging with its user community, Mozilla has demonstrated responsiveness to public feedback. However, as debates over ad tracking, data privacy, and AI-driven personalization intensify, the broader tech industry will likely continue facing pressure to adopt more transparent and ethical data practices.