Mozilla, the organisation behind the popular Firefox web browser, has come under intense scrutiny following its Terms of Use and Privacy Policy updates. Critics argue that these changes grant Mozilla extensive rights over user data while simultaneously overreaching restrictions on user behaviour. After the furore, Mozilla issued a clarification explaining how it will process user data.
One of the most alarming aspects of the updated terms is Mozilla’s claim to a “non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license” over any data users input into Firefox. This wording suggests that Mozilla could use any information typed, uploaded, or otherwise interacted with within the browser at its direction.
Critics, including The Lunduke Journal, argue that this clause could apply to sensitive or proprietary information, raising serious privacy and security concerns.
Another bone of contention is Mozilla’s use of technical data. Here’s what the privacy policy says about that:
“We use technical data, language preference, and location to serve content and advertising on the Firefox New Tab page in the correct format (i.e. for mobile vs desktop), language, and relevant location. Mozilla collects technical and interaction data, such as the position, size, views and clicks on New Tab content or ads, to understand how people are interacting with our content and to personalise future content, including sponsored content. This data may be shared with our advertising partners on a de-identified or aggregated basis.”
This data model adds fuel to the fears that Mozilla is shifting towards an aggressive data monetisation model. The Lunduke Journal points out that Mozilla removed a response to the question, “Does Mozilla sell your personal data?” The company’s answer to this question was negative.
Mozilla also updated its Acceptable Use Policy to introduce broad restrictions on how users can engage with its services. While some guidelines, such as prohibiting illegal activities, are standard, others are more contentious due to their vague wording. For example, users may not “threaten, harass, or violate the privacy of others,” a phrase that some argue could be subjectively enforced.
Critics also point out the policy’s term “unsolicited communications,” which could technically apply to public social media interactions, forum discussions, or even YouTube comments. Similarly, the ban on “deceiving or misleading people” raises concerns over potential censorship, especially when applied to discussions on politically sensitive topics.
After the scrutiny, Mozilla issued an updated Privacy Notice stating, “We’ve seen a little confusion about the language regarding licenses, so we want to clear that up. We need a license to allow us to make some of Firefox’s basic functionality possible. Without it, we couldn’t use information typed into Firefox, for example. It does NOT give us ownership of your data or a right to use it for anything other than what is described in the Privacy Notice.”
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