Mozilla Faces Backlash Over Privacy Policy Changes

Mozilla is facing criticism from users over recent changes to its privacy policy and terms of use, which have led to concerns about data privacy and transparency, as first reported by ArsTechnica.

The company has altered its long-standing promise that Firefox is designed to protect user privacy, and it has softened previous assurances about not selling user data.

A significant change appears in Mozilla’s data privacy FAQ. Previously, it stated: “Mozilla doesn’t sell data about you, and we don’t buy data about you.”

However, ArsTechnica notes that the updated version clarifies that Mozilla is no longer making definitive claims about not selling data due to broad legal definitions of “sale” in certain jurisdictions.

Indeed, the new FAQ reads: “Mozilla doesn’t sell data about you (in the way that most people think about “selling data”), and we don’t buy data about you. Since we strive for transparency, and the LEGAL definition of “sale of data” is extremely broad in some places, we’ve had to step back from making the definitive statements you know and love.”

The company did not specify which jurisdictions have these broad legal definitions. ArsTechnica reports that Mozilla’s updated terms of use have sparked criticism. One clause states that users grant Mozilla a license to use uploaded or inputted information to improve their browsing experience.

The clause reads: “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.”

Users voiced their concerns on GitHub, Reddit, and Mozilla’s discussion forum. ArsTechnica reports that one user responded: “You cannot ask your users to give you these broad rights to their data. This agreement, as currently written, is not acceptable.”

In response to the backlash, Mozilla clarified its position in a blog post on Wednesday, stating that the license is necessary for Firefox’s core functions, as reported by ArsTechnica.

Another point of contention is Mozilla’s handling of location-related keywords. The updated privacy policy states that Mozilla may receive and share such keywords with partners to provide recommended and sponsored content, as reported by ArsTechnica.

The company claims that these keywords are anonymized before being shared. ArsTechnica notes that users have the option to disable this functionality by turning off Sponsored Suggestions in Firefox settings.

Despite Mozilla’s explanations, many users remain unconvinced. Mozilla has yet to provide further clarification on these policy changes, says ArsTechnica.