Mozilla is changing its recently introduced Terms of Use for Firefox after users raised concerns over wording granting the company broad rights over their data. The company announced the revisions in a statement on Friday, explaining that the update aims to understand better how Mozilla interacts with user data.
The original wording that sparked criticism stated:
When you upload or input information through Firefox, you grant us a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use that information to help you navigate, experience, and interact with online content, as you indicate with your use of Firefox.
This language has now been removed. The updated terms read:
You give Mozilla the rights necessary to operate Firefox. This includes processing your data as we describe in the Firefox Privacy Notice. It also consists of a nonexclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to do as you request with the content you input in Firefox. This does not give Mozilla any ownership of that content.
Mozilla stated, “We’ve been listening to some of our community’s concerns with parts of the TOU, specifically about licensing. Our intent was just to be as clear as possible about how we make Firefox work, but in doing so, we also created some confusion and concern.”
Mozilla’s stance on selling data
Mozilla also addressed concerns over its previous claim that it never sells user data. The company noted that legal definitions of “selling data” vary and continue to evolve, complicating its ability to make an absolute statement.
According to Mozilla, “In some places, the legal definition of ‘sale of data’ is broad and evolving. The competing interpretations of do-not-sell requirements leave many businesses uncertain about their exact obligations and whether or not they’re considered to be ‘selling data.’”
Mozilla acknowledged that it collects and shares some data with partners to keep Firefox commercially viable. However, it assured users that any data shared is either stripped of identifying details or aggregated. The company maintains that it is transparent about this in its privacy notice.
Mozilla responds to concerns
The changes follow an update Mozilla made to its initial announcement on Wednesday, in which it attempted to clarify its position. Friday’s statement further reinforces the company’s commitment to addressing user concerns and ensuring transparency in handling data. By revising the language in its Terms of Use, Mozilla aims to reassure users that it does not claim ownership of their data and only processes it as necessary to operate Firefox.
