Dispatches from the Internet frontier.
We asked why you love Firefox. Here’s what you said.
Posted On: November 8, 2024
For two decades, Firefox has been at the heart of an open, user-centered web. From the early days of tabbed browsing and pop-up blocking to today’s privacy protections and customization options, Firefox has empowered users like you with control and freedom to explore the internet on your own terms. So, to mark our 20th anniversary, we asked: What made you fall in love with Firefox?
Whether you’ve been with us since the very first version or joined more recently, your answers remind us of the deep connections Firefox has built over the ...[
More]
We asked why you love Firefox. Here’s what you said.
Posted On: November 8, 2024
For two decades, Firefox has been at the heart of an open, user-centered web. From the early days of tabbed browsing and pop-up blocking to today’s privacy protections and customization options, Firefox has empowered users like you with control and freedom to explore the internet on your own terms. So, to mark our 20th anniversary, we asked: What made you fall in love with Firefox?
Whether you’ve been with us since the very first version or joined more recently, your answers remind us of the deep connections Firefox has built over the ...[
More]
Help us improve our alt text generation model
Posted On: November 4, 2024
Image generated by DALL-E in response to a request for a photorealistic image of a fox standing in a grassy landscape.
Firefox 130 introduces automatic alt text for PDF images and an improved alt text flow. In addition to protecting users’ privacy with a small language model that operates locally on their device, these improvements help ensure more images receive alt text resulting in more accessible PDFs.
You can read more about our work on the model in the earlier Hacks blog post Experimenting with local alt text generation in Firef...[
More]
Help us improve our alt text generation model
Posted On: November 4, 2024
Image generated by DALL-E in response to a request for a photorealistic image of a fox standing in a grassy landscape.
Firefox 130 introduces automatic alt text for PDF images and an improved alt text flow. In addition to protecting users’ privacy with a small language model that operates locally on their device, these improvements help ensure more images receive alt text resulting in more accessible PDFs.
You can read more about our work on the model in the earlier Hacks blog post Experimenting with local alt text generation in Firef...[
More]
After Ticketmaster’s data breach, it’s time to secure your info
Posted On: November 1, 2024
Still in its “anti-hero” era, Ticketmaster has users reeling from a data breach last May, when a hacker group claimed to have stolen data from more than 500 million people.
The breach coincided with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, one of the biggest tours ever that just so happened to have one of the most problematic rollouts ever. (So many fans tried to buy presale tickets that Ticketmaster’s system crashed, forcing the company to cancel the general sale — yet bots and scalpers still managed to grab tickets.)
So what do you do after ...[
More]
After Ticketmaster’s data breach, it’s time to secure your info
Posted On: November 1, 2024
Still in its “anti-hero” era, Ticketmaster has users reeling from a data breach last May, when a hacker group claimed to have stolen data from more than 500 million people.
The breach coincided with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, one of the biggest tours ever that just so happened to have one of the most problematic rollouts ever. (So many fans tried to buy presale tickets that Ticketmaster’s system crashed, forcing the company to cancel the general sale — yet bots and scalpers still managed to grab tickets.)
So what do you do after ...[
More]
The AI problem we can’t ignore
Posted On: October 31, 2024
In August 2020, as the pandemic confined people to their homes, the U.K. canceled A-level exams and turned to an algorithm to calculate grades, key for university admissions. Based on historical data that reflected the resource advantages of private schools, the algorithm disproportionately downgraded state students. Those who attended private schools, meanwhile, received inflated grades. News of the results set off widespread backlash. The system reinforced social inequities, critics said.
This isn’t just a one-off mistake � it’s a si...[
More]
The AI problem we can’t ignore
Posted On: October 31, 2024
In August 2020, as the pandemic confined people to their homes, the U.K. canceled A-level exams and turned to an algorithm to calculate grades, key for university admissions. Based on historical data that reflected the resource advantages of private schools, the algorithm disproportionately downgraded state students. Those who attended private schools, meanwhile, received inflated grades. News of the results set off widespread backlash. The system reinforced social inequities, critics said.
This isn’t just a one-off mistake � it’s a si...[
More]
Celebrating Chicago’s creators and small businesses at Firefox’s ‘Free to Browse’ event
Posted On: October 25, 2024
With winter on the horizon, Chicago is ready to show that nothing — not wind, nor snow — can cool the fire of a united community.
As we toast Firefox’s 20th anniversary, we’re hosting “Free to Browse: Celebrating Chicago’s Creatives,” an IRL browsing experience to amplify the voices of 20 local creators and small businesses. The event will explore how they’re creatively impacting their communities, as well as showcase the innovation that has defined the last 20 years of Firefox’s journey. We’re teaming up with these 20 ...[
More]
Celebrating Chicago’s creators and small businesses at Firefox’s ‘Free to Browse’ event
Posted On: October 25, 2024
With winter on the horizon, Chicago is ready to show that nothing — not wind, nor snow — can cool the fire of a united community.
As we toast Firefox’s 20th anniversary, we’re hosting “Free to Browse: Celebrating Chicago’s Creatives,” an IRL browsing experience to amplify the voices of 20 local creators and small businesses. The event will explore how they’re creatively impacting their communities, as well as showcase the innovation that has defined the last 20 years of Firefox’s journey. We’re teaming up with these 20 ...[
More]
Mozilla’s research: Unlocking AI for everyone, not just Big Tech
Posted On: October 17, 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping how we live, work and connect with the world. From chatbots to image generators, AI is transforming our online experiences. But this change raises serious questions: Who controls the technology behind these AI systems? And how can we ensure that everyone — not just traditional big tech — has a fair shot at accessing and contributing to this powerful tool?
To explore these crucial issues, Mozilla commissioned two pieces of research that dive deep into the challenges around AI access and competition:...[
More]
Mozilla’s research: Unlocking AI for everyone, not just Big Tech
Posted On: October 17, 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping how we live, work and connect with the world. From chatbots to image generators, AI is transforming our online experiences. But this change raises serious questions: Who controls the technology behind these AI systems? And how can we ensure that everyone — not just traditional big tech — has a fair shot at accessing and contributing to this powerful tool?
To explore these crucial issues, Mozilla commissioned two pieces of research that dive deep into the challenges around AI access and competition:...[
More]
It’s Halloween — pick your spooky Firefox disguise
Posted On: October 14, 2024
Halloween is creeping up on us, and this year, Firefox is getting into the spirit with a spooky twist: Our iconic fox has transformed into a lineup of eerie disguises.The real magic, of course, is that Firefox helps keep your online identity safe all year long. But in the spirit of Halloween, we’ve created something special to help you celebrate the season � whether you’re refreshing your wallpaper or adding some Halloween flair to your socials. Check out Firefox’s spooky disguises.
Frankenfox
A patchwork fox brought to life, se...[
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It’s Halloween — pick your spooky Firefox disguise
Posted On: October 14, 2024
Halloween is creeping up on us, and this year, Firefox is getting into the spirit with a spooky twist: Our iconic fox has transformed into a lineup of eerie disguises.The real magic, of course, is that Firefox helps keep your online identity safe all year long. But in the spirit of Halloween, we’ve created something special to help you celebrate the season � whether you’re refreshing your wallpaper or adding some Halloween flair to your socials. Check out Firefox’s spooky disguises.
Frankenfox
A patchwork fox brought to life, se...[
More]
Local roots, digital connections: How Chicago’s small businesses are building with Solo
Posted On: October 8, 2024
Kevin Woods, co-owner of The Pop-Up, organizes clothing on display in their Wicker Park boutique. Credit: Jesus J. Montero
As a community builder at Mozilla, I’m all about staying connected — whether that’s producing community events to invite more people into our brand, or working directly with people to make sure our products are actually helping those who need them most. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with three amazing small business owners in Chicago to explore how Solo, Mozilla’s AI-powered website builder, could help t...[
More]
Local roots, digital connections: How Chicago’s small businesses are building with Solo
Posted On: October 8, 2024
Kevin Woods, co-owner of The Pop-Up, organizes clothing on display in their Wicker Park boutique. Credit: Jesus J. Montero
As a community builder at Mozilla, I’m all about staying connected — whether that’s producing community events to invite more people into our brand, or working directly with people to make sure our products are actually helping those who need them most. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with three amazing small business owners in Chicago to explore how Solo, Mozilla’s AI-powered website builder, could help t...[
More]
DishRoulette Kitchen: Empowering Chicago’s entrepreneurs for generational change
Posted On: October 8, 2024
The DishRoulette Kitchen team gathers by a communal table originally from the first restaurant they worked with. Crafted now into a conference table, it remains a symbol of DRK. Credit: Jesus J. Montero
Jesus J. Montero is an award-winning journalist and passionate storyteller. He’s known for his investigative work covering social justice, music and culture. Jesus J. is also a producer, curating dynamic experiences that highlight culture through storytelling and dialogue. You can follow him on Instagram at @JesusJMontero. Photo: Olivi...[
More]
DishRoulette Kitchen: Empowering Chicago’s entrepreneurs for generational change
Posted On: October 8, 2024
The DishRoulette Kitchen team gathers by a communal table originally from the first restaurant they worked with. Crafted now into a conference table, it remains a symbol of DRK. Credit: Jesus J. Montero
Jesus J. Montero is an award-winning journalist and passionate storyteller. He’s known for his investigative work covering social justice, music and culture. Jesus J. is also a producer, curating dynamic experiences that highlight culture through storytelling and dialogue. You can follow him on Instagram at @JesusJMontero. Photo: Olivi...[
More]
The Pop-Up: A homegrown space for Chicago’s creatives
Posted On: October 8, 2024
Kevin and Molly Woods run The Pop-Up, a resale boutique and creative outlet for local artists, nestled in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Credit: Jesus J. Montero
Jesus J. Montero is an award-winning journalist and passionate storyteller. He’s known for his investigative work covering social justice, music and culture. Jesus J. is also a producer, curating dynamic experiences that highlight culture through storytelling and dialogue. You can follow him on Instagram at @JesusJMontero. Photo: Olivia Gatti
Freedom and legac...[
More]
The Pop-Up: A homegrown space for Chicago’s creatives
Posted On: October 8, 2024
Kevin and Molly Woods run The Pop-Up, a resale boutique and creative outlet for local artists, nestled in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Credit: Jesus J. Montero
Jesus J. Montero is an award-winning journalist and passionate storyteller. He’s known for his investigative work covering social justice, music and culture. Jesus J. is also a producer, curating dynamic experiences that highlight culture through storytelling and dialogue. You can follow him on Instagram at @JesusJMontero. Photo: Olivia Gatti
Freedom and legac...[
More]