@docmatoi.bsky.social:
NO! FUCK! NOT FIREFOX
@warnkekim.bsky.social:
My reaction verbatim.
Hey @firefox.com you had a great product….
@tommothecabbit.bsky.social:
Waterfox about to put out the Firefox
It just keeps getting worse – Firefox to “evolve into a modern AI browser” by Liam Dawe – 16 Dec 2025, gamingonlinux
Just like Google plan with Chrome, Mozilla aren’t sitting still on expanding Firefox into something resembling a web browser but with more AI.
As announced today on the Mozilla blog, they’ve got a new CEO with Anthony Enzor-DeMeo. Here’s a short but important excerpt on the future of Firefox from the post (emphasis ours):
As Mozilla moves forward, we will focus on becoming the trusted software company. This is not a slogan. It is a direction that guides how we build and how we grow. It means three things.
- First: Every product we build must give people agency in how it works. Privacy, data use, and AI must be clear and understandable. Controls must be simple. AI should always be a choice — something people can easily turn off. People should know why a feature works the way it does and what value they get from it.
- Second: our business model must align with trust. We will grow through transparent monetization that people recognize and value.
- Third: Firefox will grow from a browser into a broader ecosystem of trusted software. Firefox will remain our anchor. It will evolve into a modern AI browser and support a portfolio of new and trusted software additions.
You should read the full post to form your own opinion on it, but regular readers will know my thoughts on AI quite well by now.
Companies everywhere are scrambling to force AI into where it isn’t needed, or wanted, and all it ends up doing is causing the complete enshittification of whatever it is.
If they really wanted to give us privacy and agency in how we use it, they would give us a very simple opt-out for all AI features.
But like other companies and organisations – they won’t, because they need to force people into it to make numbers go up. They say we should be able to easily turn it off, but I’ll believe that when I see it as a clear option to disable it all.
Duckduckgo gives the option to disable AI “forever” but every fucking time I reboot, there is Monster AI turned back on again. And it’s not a quick disable.
@starchick68.bsky.social:
I saw this post and used their advice to turn the settings to ‘false’. I wondered if the settings would turn back to ‘true’ after firefox updates, and they haven’t, so far. I have been using firefox for years.
@sundogscoops.bsky.social:
firefox AI and slop disablers from tumblr for the people from local hero mckitterick. Tried it on my end and the browser is significantly faster now
(copy paste-able in the alt text)
browser.ml.enable
browser.ml.chat.enabled
browser.ml.chat.menu
browser.ml.chat.page
browser.ml.chat.page.footerBadge
browser.ml.chat.page.menuBadge
browser.ml.linkPreview.enabled
browser.ml.pageAssist.enabled
browser.tabs.groups.smart.enabled
browser.tabs.groups.smart.userEnabled
extensions.ml.enabled
browser.search.visualSearch.featureGate
@arty1f.neocities.org:
apparently “browser.ml.enable” is the master switch for all the ai and is the only one you need to turn off, but better safe than sorryI just turned them all off, will see what happens. If you hear me screaming “kill AI” …
@koro.fish:
it SHOULD be but it isnt: ive had that turned off since they started, but when they added the right click ai junk in an update i still got that, because they added browser.ml.page.enable and defaulted that to true, and didnt look at browser.ml.enable
@mmmegaidiot.bsky.social:
i disabled all these and it made both Firefox and Linux stop crashing every 5 minutes, i’m pretty happy nowMine wasn’t crashing, but was super fucking slow. Will be interesting to see if things go back to normal now after disabling that shit
@roryvalart.bsky.social:
Glad I already turned them all off ages ago when this bs first started circulating. Still better than any Chromium based browser, as least I can install adblockers here.Ya, i Love the adblockers. I can watch Utubes, CBC Gem, etc and never see an ad
rainsoakedfern.bsky.social:
I’m still sad that my beloved firefoxme too love and me too used for fucking years, that I have used for fucking years, started to shove AI into the browser. I hate it so much.
@gooeybluewerewolf.bsky.social:
Everyone is sick of ai yet tech companies keep cramming and forcing it…
@pearlriverflow.com:
“A modern AI browser”
@radianthostility.bsky.social:
What do they intend to achieve by shoving the programmatic falsehood engine in to the browser?
@peltast1.bsky.social:
Me to evolve into an ex-user of Firefox.
@fauxplants.bsky.social:
dude, the new logo. they killed the fox for its fur/tail. that’s like way too on the nose… these companies know they’re turning evil and don’t give a shit. same with billionaires naming their companies like palantir and flock like wtf lmao the writer’s room needs to tone it down a notch!!
@outside.bsky.social:
This feels like such a betrayal of everyone who has used and supported their products. Incredibly tone deaf considering their user base and that people go out of their way to install and use their products. Once you go in this direct you can’t go back.
@fistydollars.bsky.social:
I just switched to Firefox a couple months ago to avoid Chrome doing this. Goddamnit.
@mrfresh.bsky.social:
Same here.
@cjmoose.bsky.social:
Same. I’m pissed as hell. I’m so sick of this shit.
@hope-papernacku.bsky.social:
I’m genuinely PHYSICALLY tired of all the AI bullshit being pushed on every single thing in existence. It does not work, it does literally nothing but make everything worse and yet they won’t stop
@cassandra-s.bsky.social:
So that’s why it’s become so slow. I finally got off of Chrome and now Firefox gets fucked up. Are there any normal browsers left?
Guess I’m killing Firefox soon too then…. When are these stupid ass high on their own supply tech bro dipshits gonna realize it’s only gonna impress fellow showerless tech bros and no one else?
All I hear from friends is a willingness to actively kill anything they own that starts adding AI
@rrho.bsky.social:
That is a very stupid decision, @firefox.com.
@aaronbossig.bsky.social:
I wouldn’t be surprised if he backpedals from this within 48 hours. The Anti-Ai push is strong enough now that the support he might have been expecting just won’t be there.
BUT… I’m immediately shopping for browser options, and I won’t take long to settle on one.
@failedanarchist.bsky.social:
I must admit that after using FF for two decades, it’ll be hard to get me to shift – but introducing AI for its own sake might change my mind
so much crap has come and gone in the 30+ years I’ve been using the web, and Mozilla ought to sit this one out to see where it goes
@digitalprophet.online:
lol
@firefox.com is like “There are only a couple things that set us apart from everything else and make us attractive to 90% of our userbase. Let’s completely fuck one of those things up.”
The new CEO must be leveraged to the tits in AI slopstock.
@perfectface4radio.bsky.social:
Or they were dropped on their head as a child… multiple times.
@kateforrest.bsky.social:
I have used Firefox from the literal first day it was released.
I will abandon it without hesitation once that crap hits.
Fuck AI.
“Our business model must align with trust” CANNOT coexist with AI slop.
@mozilla.org
@applesnspice.bsky.social:
Yep. If Firefox wants to enshittify with AI, then it’s an easy goodbye.
tried and tested, Waterfox has been my go-to for months now: www.waterfox.com
***
@megalodonreturns.bsky.social:
Uses the same extensions?
Better performance?
No tracking?
No AI?
Sold.
“The browser design of Waterfox minimizes its consumption of system resources when operating…The browser moves at top speed while maintaining its entire functionality despite its light nature.”
gizmodo.com/download/wat…
waterfox by Waterfox, 12/9/25, Gizmodo
Enhance your browsing experience with Waterfox, a fast, privacy-focused browser offering full control, legacy extension support, and minimal system impact. For Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Table of Contents
- Why Should I Download Waterfox?
- Is Waterfox Free?
- What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Waterfox?
- What Are the Alternatives to Waterfox?
About waterfox
People who want to dictate their internet browsing control can use Waterfox as their web browser. The Waterfox development team has altered the browser direction since its origins from Firefox codebase. Waterfox started as a browser focused on privacy from day one through its removal of tracking capabilities, along with unwanted browser features. It doesn’t try to be flashy. The software presents itself as a solution to perform one major task by providing users a smooth browsing experience with total privacy.
The initial popularity of Waterfox stemmed from its first-to-market 64-bit Firefox version, when Mozilla did not offer this functionality. Waterfox attracted tech users who required stronger performance or better compatibility with contemporary systems by attracting their attention. Time transformed Waterfox beyond its initial purpose as an alternative browser system. New Firefox versions had eliminated their previous extensions but Waterfox brought back this support, thus attracting users looking for the vintage flexibility they once had.
The browser receives frequent updates, which avoid causing the same catastrophic issues found in other browsers. Using Waterfox is effortless while treating its users with respect and freedom of choice, and not enforcing options. Its attractiveness stems significantly from this particular feature.
Why Should I Download Waterfox?
Users should consider Waterfox download, especially when they grow weary of common web browsers. The browser could appeal to users who have observed Chrome and even Firefox gather more user data while sending information to their developers and inserting unwanted content. It doesn’t spy on you. The browser works without guessing your needs and avoids showing pushed recommendations. The browser serves users by providing private browsing without forcing any additional activities upon them.
The extension management system of Waterfox distinguishes this browser from others in the market. Most current browsers have moved toward new extension formats, which resulted in discarding their older but more capable extensions from their platforms. The legacy extensions you relied on before will work smoothly within Waterfox because this browser supports many of them. Some users will not choose any browser other than Waterfox because of this feature. The browser provides an online shelter for digital features that the rest of the internet abandoned.
The issue regarding updates stands prominently today. Most browsers compel users to update their programs through forced installations that could damage essential features and modify the user interface until it no longer appears familiar to them. Waterfox doesn’t do that. Through Waterfox, you set the pace for updates that you wish to perform. Your ability to control what you do online serves as portable control for users who need this structure. The goal is not to block transformation; rather, it revolves around controlling what changes will occur.
The browser design of Waterfox minimizes its consumption of system resources when operating. The browser design suits machines with basic specifications and aging technology systems. The browser moves at top speed while maintaining its entire functionality despite its light nature. The browser functions just like any current browser while omitting unused add-ons that burden typical web navigation experiences. The platform provides essential elements that you can develop into your desired system. The application design consists only of basic functionality because it contains no hidden designs and no tracking capabilities. Users can activate Waterfox immediately after opening it without any complications.
Individuals seeking privacy protection alongside system simplicity, alongside freedom will probably find value in the Waterfox browser. Users can access this browser without distraction while updates happen automatically in the background. With silent operational reliability, the browser performs its functions, allowing you to maintain control over your area. The dependable nature of Waterfox stands out in an era where digital tools constantly fight for the use of your data along with your focus, thus making it an important tool in such a data-rich world.
Is Waterfox Free?
The users can acquire Waterfox without any cost, and they can utilize it freely. Waterfox operates cost-free with zero subscription requirements and undisguised data exchange methods. The browser project exists under an open-source model while being maintained by small groups committed to privacy and web open-source principles. Users can acquire Waterfox through simple downloadingand then installation before use starts.
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Waterfox?
Users will find that Waterfox operates perfectly on operating systems that dominate the market sector. The entire range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, supports Waterfox browser versions. The program maintains efficiency and lightness; therefore, older computers with low specs can also run it smoothly. Modern hardware and operating system updates are not necessary to access the internet while using Waterfox. The software developers constructed Waterfox with multi-platform compatibility to provide users with secure navigation across different systems. The browser exists for users who prefer using their current machine rather than discarding it because their internet browsers have become unsupported.
What Are the Alternatives to Waterfox?
The usual browser alternatives to Waterfox include several other options that maintain similar approaches to privacy, together with their lightweight features.
Pale Moon stands as one of the browsers that shares the closest connection to Waterfox. The browser has genetic similarity to Waterfox since it uses Firefox versions from the past in its foundation. Pale Moon dedicates its philosophy to providing users with focused, essential tools that avoid excessive bulk. Old Firefox design and its traditional features, including older extensions, return through this Firefox variant. This browser dedicates its development to maximizing both performance and customization features while also any tracking elements and unneeded bulk additions like Waterfox. This software exists only to serve as your daily browser while performing its function admirably.
The Chromium browser exists as an option, but it functions in a unique way from other alternatives. Chromium functions as a version of Google Chrom,e sans the monitoring or market interference features made by Google. It bases its development on the open-source Google Chrome code. People who want Chrome’s speed alongside its compatibility without its tracking issues typically choose Chromium as an alternative browser. Despite lacking Waterfox’s unobtrusive nature and limited legacy extension options, it provides superior browser cleanliness compared to basic Google Chrome packages.
The browser known as Slimjet provides users with a reliable alternative. Users get the Chromium engine with additional features from Slimjet, as it aims to protect user privacy while boosting overall usability. Users appreciate that Slimjet delivers ad blockers and download managers together with additional tools that need manual installation in different browsers. Slimjet offers users two essential qualities—it provides essential tools while maintaining quick performance, while blocking unnecessary tracking and background activity. Speed-driven users can trust the browser as one of the options available in the market, although it remains a seldom-discussed competitor.
@thelastsea.horse:
I highly recommend Waterfox.
Its one of the best browsers I’ve used because it runs well and stays out of your way.
Switching to it felt like pulling a browser from 15 years ago in the good way.
www.waterfox.com
@seech.bsky.social:
A lot of people are about to find out about Waterfox
… Dropped [Firefox] this year and haven’t looked back
@exceedhergrasp1.bsky.social:
OK well, apparently you can combat Firefox with Waterfox.
@kizgalaxy.bsky.social:
Waterfox has been my browser of choice in 2025 and if it continues to lack the bloatware pestering the alternatives then I will keep using it for the foreseeable future. Thank you for your good work
@nequalsone.bsky.social:
I am actually trying Waterfox right now. Not bad, oh and thanks @mozilla.org
you really f’ed up
@thequirkygek.bsky.social:
Waterfox is so great, none of the recommended stories or summarize with ai thrown in my face and removing my theme randomly. Waterfox mixed with startpage for searching it just gets the job done. As a software engineer and security analyst. I just want my info I need without all the bs.
@thequirkygek.bsky.social:
And waterfox does it. Definitely a well recommended browser. That does what you want it to.
@pursimmon.bsky.social:
officially switched to water fox!
@bluealard.bsky.social:
Been using Waterfox on my laptop to try it out, and I guess now I have a reason to just make a full time switch to it.
@akibread.bsky.social:
I’m so happy I switched
@kleadron.net:
moved to waterfox again today in response to mozilla’s recent announcement, the UI of this browser feels like it actually respects my screen space!
@douglasinvictoria.bsky.social:
Waterfox is the way to go.
It’s Firefox with the crap stripped out.
@mae.seal.observer:
moving to waterfox was surprisingly easy i just needed to log into my social media sites again
***
@lordstargazer.com:
I recommend using Vivaldi. vivaldi.com/blog/keep-ex…
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