So Long, Firefox, Part One
2 days ago
- #Browser Wars
- #Privacy
- #Firefox
- Firefox, originally named Phoenix, was released on September 23, 2002, as a lightweight alternative to the Mozilla suite.
- Firefox's market share has declined to just over 2% in 2025, partly due to Mozilla's focus on AI and data collection, alienating long-time users.
- Google Chrome's dominance, being the default browser on Android and ChromeOS, has overshadowed Firefox, despite Chrome's data privacy concerns.
- Firefox's loyal user base consists mainly of tech-savvy individuals who value open-source and privacy, but Mozilla has failed to cater to their needs effectively.
- Mozilla's shift towards AI and data-driven features has caused concern among users who preferred Firefox for its simplicity and privacy standards.
- The importance of browser engine diversity is highlighted, with Firefox's Gecko engine being the only serious competitor to Google's Blink and WebKit.
- Many users are abandoning Firefox due to Mozilla's direction, seeking alternatives that better align with their privacy and usability preferences.
- Despite its decline, Firefox remains the only mainstream browser supporting extensions like uBlock Origin, which Chrome no longer supports.
- The article concludes with the author's decision to leave Firefox after 23 years, citing Mozilla's misalignment with user expectations.