Nowadays artificial intelligence has become a normal part of the internet. Whether it is writing help, smart suggestions or productivity tools AI is being integrated everywhere. But not every user has the same opinion about AI. Some people find AI features very useful and time-saving, while some prefer a simple, clean and traditional browsing experience.

Keeping both types of users in mind, Firefox is bringing a balanced approach AI controls.

With Firefox 148, which will roll out from 24 February, desktop users will see a new AI controls section inside the settings. Its simple purpose is: you will decide whether AI will be a part of your browser or not.

Here the focus is only on one thing choice.

One place to manage AI preferences

Now there will be no need to search for AI-related settings in different places. Firefox has organized all AI features into a single section. From here, you can easily control current and future generative AI features.The interface has been kept simple and clear so that you can easily understand what each feature does and how to turn it on or off.

Whether you want to use only some features or you do not want AI at all both options are available.

Which AI features you can control

At launch, some main AI-powered features are being provided, which you can manage individually.

1. Smart Translations

If you browse websites in different languages, the built-in translation feature can be very helpful. It helps you read content in your preferred language without extra extensions.

And if you feel you do not need it, turning it off is just as easy.

2. Alt text in PDFs for accessibility

For people who work with PDFs, Firefox automatically generates descriptive alt text for images. This is really helpful, especially for people who rely on screen readers to navigate and understand content more easily But if you do not use this feature, disabling it is just a one-click task.

3. AI-enhanced tab grouping

Sometimes when too many tabs are open, the browser starts to look messy. In that case, the AI helps by spotting tabs that are related to each other and even suggests suitable names to organize them neatly.

If you prefer organizing manually, you can keep this feature off

4. Link previews

Before clicking on a link, seeing a short summary can be helpful. The link preview feature shows you the key points in advance so that you can decide whether to open the page or not.

If you prefer direct exploration, this feature is optional.

5. AI chatbots in the sidebar

Firefox gives you the option to use your favorite AI assistant directly in the sidebar. You can choose from options like:

• Anthropic’s Claude
•  ChatGpt
• Microsoft Copilot
• Google Gemini
• Le Chat Mistral
• The benefit is that you can summarize articles, brainstorm ideas or get quick help without changing tabs.

And if you do not want to integrate any chatbot, you can completely disable it.

Block all AI features with a single toggle

For users who want a completely AI-free browsing experience, the “Block AI enhancements” option is available. As soon as you turn this toggle on, current and future generative AI features will be disabled. You will not receive AI-related pop-ups, reminders or suggestions.

This clearly sends a message that AI features are not being forced the decision is yours.

Your settings will remain safe even after updates

One good thing is that once you set your AI preferences, they remain the same even after browser updates. There will be no tension of setting everything up again after each update. And if at any time you want to change your choice, you can easily modify it from the settings.

Why is this step important?

Nowadays many platforms automatically enable AI features and sometimes do not even provide a clear opt-out option. Because of this, users may feel that their preference was not given importance.

Firefox’s approach is slightly different.

It does not assume that every user definitely wants AI. It understands that every person has a different browsing style some prefer productivity tools, some prefer a minimal interface. Through AI controls, users get real control.

Choice comes first

The main focus of this feature is not just innovation, but choice.

Technology is changing fast, but every user’s comfort level is different. Some people want to fully adopt AI, some want to explore slowly, and some want to avoid it completely.

Firefox respects all these perspectives.

You can enable all features.

You can use only selected tools.

Or you can disable everything.

And you can change your preference anytime.

Control will always stay with you.

Early access in Firefox Nightly

For those who like to try new features first, AI controls will be available first in Firefox Nightly version.

Nightly is an experimental version where upcoming features are tested and user feedback is collected so that the final version can become even better.

The future of browsing: more transparent, more flexible

AI is no longer just a concept of the future it is part of the present. But as AI grows, the importance of transparency and user control also increases. With Firefox 148, Mozilla shows that innovation and user autonomy can go together. AI can be helpful without becoming intrusive. And most importantlyit can remain optional.

Bigger picture

Today, browsers are no longer just tools to open websites, but platforms that shape the digital experience.

With AI controls, Firefox is redefining that modern browser design does not only mean adding new features, but also giving users control over those features.

In today’s digital world where many things get automatically enabled, getting the option to say “yes,” “no,” or “only this” is very valuable.

Whether you support AI or prefer simple browsing, Firefox 148 ensures that the browser adapts according to you not that you have to adjust according to the browser.

And perhaps that is where the biggest difference lies.