Jobaaj Stories
Mozilla has revised its Firefox Terms of Use for the second time in a week following user backlash over data ownership concerns. The controversy started when Mozilla updated its Terms of Use, Privacy Notice, and FAQ, leading many to believe that the company was claiming rights over user data.
Mozilla Clarifies Data Ownership
One of the initial changes included a clause suggesting that users granted Mozilla a license to use content uploaded through Firefox. This sparked criticism, with concerns that Mozilla might be taking ownership of user data. In response, Mozilla removed the clause and clarified that it does not claim ownership of any user content.
Ajit Varma, Mozilla’s Vice President of Firefox Product, stated that the wording was meant to explain how Firefox operates, but it unintentionally caused confusion. Mozilla has now explicitly stated in its Terms of Use that it does not own or control any data provided by users.
Changes in Mozilla’s Privacy Commitments
Mozilla also made adjustments to its FAQ regarding its stance on privacy. Previously, the Firefox FAQ stated that the browser is "the only major browser backed by a not-for-profit that doesn’t sell your personal data to advertisers." However, this has now been revised to say that Firefox "helps you protect your personal information," removing the direct claim that it does not sell data.
Additionally, the FAQ section about Firefox being free no longer states, "we don’t sell your personal data." Instead, it now reads, "you don’t pay anything to use it." Mozilla explained that different legal definitions of "sell" influenced this change but reiterated that it does not trade personal data in the typical sense.
With these latest updates, Mozilla aims to reassure users about its commitment to privacy while improving clarity in its terms and policies.
