this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
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Starting with Firefox 148, which rolls out on Feb. 24, you’ll find a new AI controls section within the desktop browser settings. It provides a single place to block current and future generative AI features in Firefox.

They actually listened to the community, thats very nice.

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[–] glog78@digitalcourage.social 10 points 3 days ago (7 children)

@blaggle42 @solrize
https://www.w3tutorials.net/blog/firefox-add-ons-how-to-install-my-own-local-add-on-extension-permanently-in-firefox/

There er multiple ways but yes they don't make it easy cause the want to make the attack vector aka ( a "friend" sent you a email with the "hottest new" firefox extension ) as small as possible.

Showing a important part of the website link. Step 3: Install an Unsigned .xpi (Advanced) #Unsigned XPIs require manual placement in your Firefox profile (and may need Firefox Developer Edition/Nightly). Enable Unsigned Extensions (If Needed): Open Firefox Developer Edition/Nightly. Navigate to about:config. Search for xpinstall.signatures.required and set it to false (double-click the preference). Warning: Disabling signature checks exposes you to security risks. Only install unsigned extensions from trusted sources.

[–] blaggle42@lemmy.today 6 points 3 days ago (6 children)

I understand what you are saying - but - if I want to install a program on my computer - I should be allowed to do so - the same with firefox


maybe it might need me doing the equivalent of sudo, entering some password - or just clicking through, "ok, yes I know, extensions can do bad things.", "yes I really know that I shouldn't install an extension if I don't know exactly what it is" 10 times, but


etc..

I just don't buy the "attack vector" argument. There are many ways to mitigate, without removing the ability.

Anyway, in a way this was a good experience - I am going to try to ditch firefox sooner than later now.

[–] TheBlackLounge@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 days ago (2 children)

Using dev edition is the equivalent of sudo.

Firefox can just install an extension from clicking a link, combine that with tech illiterate people just panic-clicking "ok" on every popup, that really is an attack vector.

I mean, billions of people click yes on a "hey we're gonna take all your data and sell it to everyone, are you okay with that?" screen multiple times a day...

[–] blaggle42@lemmy.today 0 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Again. You are saying you shouldn't be able to install applications on your computer.

I mean, if that's what you believe. I don't. I think I should be able to decide what I run and where I run it.

Especially if the company thinks of itself as open source.

[–] TheBlackLounge@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

But you can... I do it, it's not hard. You'd have learned how and done it in the time you've been complaining.

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