If your browser of choice is Firefox, good news: Your web surfing is about to get a little more private. on tuesday, Mozilla announced Several upcoming updates for Firefox, all under the theme of user customization. One such option is the built-in VPN that Mozilla will provide to users for free.
This new VPN option in Firefox started rolling out on March 24 as part of Firefox 149. There’s no download required, as the VPN update is included: Once it hits your browser, you’ll be able to turn on the VPN and start hiding your IP address and location while using Firefox.
The only caveat here is that Mozilla is limiting VPN data usage to 50GB per month. The company doesn’t say what happens once you exceed that data limit, and I’ve reached out for clarification, but my guess is that the VPN will simply shut off, sending you back to Firefox’s default browsing experience — at least until the next month starts, and your data limit is reset.
Why should you always use a VPN?
If you use the Internet without a VPN, you are being tracked (yes, even if you use Incognito Windows). Without a Virtual Private Network, your IP address is exposed to the Internet. Trackers can follow you around the web, and your Internet service provider can keep track of what you’re doing. A VPN alone won’t make you immune to tracking, but it goes a long way without having much impact on your browsing experience.
There are lots of VPNs out there to choose from, and not all of them are the same. However, the general rule of thumb is to be careful with free VPNs. It’s often a case of “you get what you pay for”, as many free options are not necessarily “fair”. After all, companies aren’t making any money directly from you, so they may look for data-sharing solutions to make money. Thus, they can ultimately compromise your privacy and defeat the purpose of the VPN in the first place.
What do you think so far?
However, I don’t think Firefox’s free VPN is raising red flags. Mozilla has a better track record than others when it comes to user privacy, and in fact, Already offers a paid VPN. From where I’m sitting, adding a free, limited VPN to Firefox is just a win for Mozilla: The company gets points for enhancing user privacy for free, and if those users are looking for more flexibility while preserving their Internet anonymity, they can check out Mozilla’s paid VPN option.
What else is coming to Firefox in the next update?
In its Tuesday post, Mozilla announced some other Firefox news in addition to its free VPN, including the following:
-
smart window: This feature, formerly called AI Window, uses AI to provide “quick help” while you browse, without actually leaving the page you’re on. This help can include things like definitions, article summaries, and product comparisons. Mozilla says that following the company’s stance on opt-in-only AI features, this feature is optional and opt-in.
-
split view: This places two webpages side by side in a single window, following similar features in other browsers like Chrome.
-
tab notes: This feature lets you add notes to the tab, up to 1,000 characters. A note will remain attached to the webpage until you delete it, even if you close the tab.
-
A new look: Firefox is introducing a “fresh new look,” which includes updated themes, icons, toolbars, menus, and homepage.
