Mozilla has revised its Firefox Terms of Use following user backlash over data ownership and licensing concerns.
The dispute arose after Mozilla introduced new terms that allowed the company broad access to user data, causing widespread outcry on social media.
The initial version of the terms contained the following provision: "When you upload or input information through Firefox, you hereby grant us a non-exclusive, 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 were alarmed by this phrasing, which meant Mozilla claimed ownership of their data.
In response, Mozilla quickly removed this clause and updated the wording to clarify its intent. The revised terms now state, "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 non-exclusive, 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."
Mozilla acknowledged the community's concerns in a blog post, explaining that the original text was intended to clarify how Firefox works but unintentionally led to confusion. "We've been listening to some of our community's concerns with parts of the TOU, specifically about licensing," the company stated. "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."
Additionally, Mozilla addressed why it no longer makes broad claims like "We never sell your data." The organization pointed out that the legal meaning of "sale of data" is changing; different jurisdictions interpret it differently. Mozilla reaffirmed its commitment to user privacy, noting that any data shared with partners is either stripped of identifying information or provided in aggregate form to ensure Firefox's commercial viability.
This adjustment demonstrates Mozilla's response to user concerns and its continuous commitment to transparency and privacy in a rapidly changing digital context.