Mozilla has announced a significant update to its add-on policy, mandating that developers of new Firefox extensions disclose their data collection practices. This new requirement is designed to increase transparency and help users make more informed decisions about the add-ons they install. The policy applies to all new extensions submitted to the official addons.mozilla.org (AMO) portal, marking a key step in enhancing user privacy.

New Disclosure Requirements for Developers

Under the updated policy, developers are now required to provide a privacy policy for their extension. In addition, during the submission process, they must use a new dedicated section to specify exactly what types of user data their add-on collects and processes. This information is not just for internal review; it will be displayed publicly on the extension’s product page on AMO. This allows potential users to see a clear, standardized summary of data practices before committing to an installation, directly addressing user privacy concerns and improving the overall safety of the ecosystem.

Clarifying Data Collection Practices

Mozilla defines “user data” to include a wide range of information, such as personally identifiable information, web browsing activity, and any user-generated content. According to Caitlin Neiman, Add-ons Community Manager at Mozilla, this initiative aims to give users a clearer understanding of how their data is being handled. The policy change is part of a broader effort by Mozilla to fortify the security and trustworthiness of the Firefox add-on ecosystem. While the requirement currently applies to new submissions, Mozilla has also stated its plan to begin requiring existing extensions to provide the same data collection disclosures in the near future, ensuring a consistent standard across the platform.