Firefox Add-Ons Must Declare Data Collection—or Be Rejected

Mozilla is taking a decisive step toward transparency and user control by requiring all Firefox extensions to disclose how they collect and handle personal data. The new mandate introduces a dedicated key—browser_specific_settings.gecko.data_collection_permissions—that every extension must include in its manifest file. Whether or not an extension collects data, developers must explicitly declare their practices, ensuring there is no room for ambiguity.This policy introduces what many are calling a “privacy nutrition label” for browser add-ons, allowing users to see data collection details before installation. The information will be prominently displayed both on the addons.mozilla.org extension listing pages and within Firefox’s about:addons management interface. By placing this information front and center, Mozilla is giving users the ability to make more informed decisions about which extensions they trust with their data.For developers, compliance isn’t optional. Any extension that fails to properly declare its data collection policies will be rejected during the signing process, blocking it from distribution through Mozilla’s add-on store. Even extensions that support older Firefox versions must still offer an immediate, built-in method for users to control data collection after installation. This ensures that all users, regardless of which version they run, retain meaningful privacy controls.Mozilla’s phased rollout begins immediately for new extension submissions and will expand to include all existing extensions by next year. The initiative represents one of the most significant shifts in browser extension policy since Mozilla first opened its add-on ecosystem. By enforcing these clear, structured disclosures, Firefox is setting a new precedent in digital transparency—one that could pressure other browser vendors to follow suit.As privacy concerns continue to grow across the web, this move underscores Mozilla’s longstanding commitment to open, user-first design. For everyday users, it means fewer hidden data practices. For developers, it establishes a clear framework for ethical software distribution. And for the broader tech landscape, it signals a new era where trust and transparency are not optional, but expected.#Mozilla #Firefox #PrivacyUpdate #BrowserExtensions #DataTransparency #UserPrivacy #ManifestV3 #FirefoxAddons #Cybersecurity #OnlinePrivacy #ExtensionPolicy #DataCollection #AppTransparency #TechNews