EU Group Raises Concerns Over New Firefox Feature: How to Turn It Off

Introduction

Mozilla, the non-profit organization behind the popular Firefox web browser, has recently introduced a new feature that has raised concerns among privacy advocates. The European Union’s data protection authorities have expressed concerns that the feature could be used to track users’ online activity. In this article, we will explore the details of this new feature and provide instructions on how to disable it if you are concerned about your privacy.

The Controversial New Feature

While Mozilla has not officially disclosed the exact nature of the new feature, reports suggest that it involves collecting user data to improve the browser’s performance and functionality. This data collection could potentially be used to track users’ browsing habits and personalize advertisements.

Privacy Concerns

The EU’s data protection authorities have raised concerns that the new feature could violate data protection laws. They argue that users should have clear and explicit consent before their data is collected and used for tracking purposes.

How to Disable the New Feature

If you are concerned about your privacy and want to disable the new feature, you can follow these steps:

1. Open Firefox: Launch the Firefox browser on your computer.
2. Access Settings: Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner of the browser window and select “Settings.”  
3. Find Privacy and Security: Scroll down to the “Privacy & Security” section and click on it.
4. Disable Tracking Protection: Look for the “Tracking Protection” section and ensure that it is enabled. This setting helps to block third-party trackers.
5. Customize Tracking Protection: If you want to have more granular control over tracking, you can click on “Customize Tracking Protection” and adjust the settings according to your preferences. You can choose to block all trackers, allow some trackers, or block only trackers from specific websites.

Additional Privacy Tips for Firefox Users

In addition to disabling the new feature, there are other steps you can take to protect your privacy while using Firefox:

• Use Private Browsing Mode: This mode prevents Firefox from storing your browsing history, cookies, and site data.
• Clear Browsing Data Regularly: Periodically clear your browsing history, cookies, and cache to remove traces of your online activity.
• Install Privacy Extensions: There are numerous privacy extensions available for Firefox that can help protect your data. Some popular options include uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger.
• Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts: Be aware of phishing scams and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

Conclusion

While Mozilla has not provided a clear explanation of the new feature, privacy advocates have raised concerns about its potential impact on user data. If you are concerned about your privacy, it is recommended to disable the feature and take additional steps to protect your online activity. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can enhance your privacy and security while using Firefox.