Mozilla introduces TOS to Firefox: Difference between revisions

}}</ref> One notable concern is the possibility that license to user input could be used to train artificial intelligence tools. This became a concern since Mozilla has recently been working on AI tools.<ref name="orbit"/>

Mozilla's Terms of Use no longer explicitly state that the company does not and will never sell user data. Previously, Mozilla's FAQ included the statement, "Nope. Never have, never will," when addressing whether they sell user data. The section promising not to sell personal data.<ref name="faq-old">{{cite web  

}}</ref>was quietly removed from their documentation.<ref name="github-tos">{{cite web  

Before its removal, this is what the section said:<blockquote>

Mozilla justified this change by pointing to evolving legal definitions of "data selling," particularly under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which defines "sale" broadly to include certain data-sharing arrangements. However, the revised Terms of Use do not explicitly prohibit Mozilla from selling user data in the future, leaving open the possibility of future monetization.<ref name="tos-update"/>

}}</ref> However, the new Terms of Use do not explicitly prohibit Mozilla from selling user data in the future, meaning they could legally do so if they chose.<ref name="tos-update"/>

Mozilla have also provided explanation for why they changed their FAQ.<ref name="tos-update"/> They say this is because different legislation has different definitions of "sale of data" and this makes it uncertain on whether a business is legally considered to be selling data. Mozilla explicitly cites the California Consumer Privacy Act<ref name="ccpa"/> with regards to how existing privacy legislation defines the sale of data.  

'' “Sell,” “selling,” “sale,” or “sold,” means selling, renting, releasing, disclosing, disseminating, making available, transferring, or otherwise communicating orally, in writing, or by electronic or other means, a consumer’s personal information by the business to another business or a third party for monetary or other valuable consideration.''<ref name="ccpa"/>

*'''Sponsored Suggestions in Search''': Mozilla processes search queries & shares de-identified interaction data with partners, including search engines and ad networks.<ref name="firefox-privacy"/>

*'''Lack of a Clear "Do Not Sell" Option''': The CCPA requires an explicit "Do Not Sell My Data" button, but Mozilla bundles opt-out settings under "technical and interaction data." when Mozilla's privacy policy page states ''"You can opt out of having your data processed for personalization or advertising purposes by turning off “technical and interaction data” on Desktop and Mobile at any time"''<ref name="firefox-privacy"/> Firefox does have this option in the privacy and security section of the settings as of version 135 (4th Febuary 2025).<ref>https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-do-i-turn-do-not-track-feature?as=u&utm_source=inproduct</ref>  

*'''Sponsored Content in Firefox's New Tab Page Involves Data Exchange''': Mozilla displays sponsored content and ads on the Firefox New Tab page, which may involve user interaction data being shared with advertisers.<ref name="tos-update"/> Even if the data is anonymized, the CCPA considers certain types of aggregated data as personal information if it can be linked back to users.<ref name="ccpa" />

}}</ref> This was later revised after backlash.<ref name="tos-update"/>

Mozilla announced the new terms on February 26, 2025, but they had already taken effect by February 25, 2025.<ref name="tos-announce"/>

}}</ref> Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), a "sale" requires data to be transferred to a third party in exchange for monetary or other valuable consideration.<ref name="ccpa"/>