Alex Kontos, founder of Waterfox, a modification of Firefox focused on privacy, performance, and eliminating bloat, stated that in the foreseeable future, the Waterfox project will not integrate functionality that utilizes large language models, at least not in the form in which it is being developed in Firefox. This refers to the use of large language models that influence browser behavior and perform actions on behalf of the user. Local applications of machine learning systems, such as for translation from one language to another, are permitted.
Alex believes that Mozilla is making a fundamental mistake by planning to turn Firefox into an AI browser. He understands that Mozilla wants to strengthen its market position and maintain parity in functionality with competing browsers that are actively adopting AI. However, by trying to cater to the average user and the mass market, which is already occupied by Chrome, Mozilla is making Firefox less appealing to advanced users, developers, and technical specialists who form the foundation of its current audience.
According to Alex, one of the reasons for the decline in Firefox's market share is the addition of features unnecessary for the primary audience. Mozilla claims to prioritize trust, transparency, and user freedom, yet simultaneously implements technologies that undermine all of these principles. Instead of allowing users to fully control their web browsing experience, Mozilla intends to introduce an opaque AI layer that acts as an additional intermediary between the user and the browser.
The large language models underlying such a layer serve as a 'black box' that acts on behalf of the user but does not allow for the analysis of behavior and data handling methods. This creates a situation where AI decides how and what to show to the user, but the logic behind these decisions cannot be investigated or understood.
Source: opennet.ru
