Mozilla has announced a new policy that forces all Firefox extension developers to disclose whether they collect or share user data. The change will take effect on November 3, 2025, and aims to bring more transparency to the browser’s ecosystem.
From that date, every new Firefox add-on must include a browser_specific_settings.gecko.data_collection_permissions key in its manifest.json file. The information will appear on the add-on’s listing page, during installation prompts, and inside the About Add-ons management screen.
Mozilla says this step will help users understand what data an extension gathers before they install it.
Developers must explain their data handling
Extension developers now need to declare exactly what kind of information they collect. This includes personal data such as names, email addresses, search queries, and browsing activity. Developers who do not collect user data must explicitly state that their add-on does not track or store any personal information.
Existing add-ons will receive a transition period. The requirement first applies to new submissions, but older extensions must comply during the first half of 2026. Any extension that fails to meet these rules will be rejected from Mozilla’s official repository until properly updated.
Mozilla’s focus on privacy transparency
According to Mozilla, the new requirement reflects increasing global concern over data privacy. The company argues that users deserve to know what extensions do with their information before giving consent.
The browser’s installation dialog will now serve as a mini consent form. Users can review an extension’s data policy and decide whether to proceed. Mozilla expects this change to restore user trust after years of skepticism about browser extensions and hidden tracking.
Aligning with global privacy standards
The new disclosure rule mirrors a broader trend across the tech industry. Governments and regulators worldwide now demand clearer transparency about how companies handle personal data. Similar initiatives already exist within Chrome’s Web Store and Apple’s App Store.
Mozilla’s approach, however, places greater emphasis on explicit, developer-provided consent notices. By embedding disclosures directly in each add-on’s manifest file, Firefox creates a verifiable record of compliance.
What it means for users and developers
For users, the update brings much-needed clarity. They can now see at a glance whether an extension collects any information beyond its functional permissions. This level of transparency should reduce risks tied to malicious or data-harvesting add-ons.
For developers, the new process demands extra diligence. They must review code, audit third-party libraries, and update manifests before submission. Mozilla encourages developers to prepare early to avoid disruptions when the rule becomes mandatory in November.
Conclusion
The new Firefox extensions data collection rule marks a significant step toward privacy accountability. By forcing developers to disclose how their add-ons handle user data, Mozilla reinforces its reputation as a privacy-first browser. The update strengthens user trust, improves transparency, and sets a higher bar for the entire web-extension ecosystem.
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