Firefox to Remove Do Not Track Feature: What It Means for Your Privacy?

Firefox, one of the most prevalent web browsers, will no longer support one of its features in the upcoming Firefox 135 update. According to the latest reports, the Firefox Do Not Track feature is ending soon. This decision may initially seem like a setback for privacy-conscious users. However, Mozilla, the company behind Firefox, suggests it’s a step toward better online privacy.

What Is Firefox Do Not Track?

The do not track feature was introduced in 2009. Firefox was the first browser to implement this functionality. It allowed users to request websites not to track their online activity. However, it was only a request and not a mandate. Many websites simply ignored it to maximize advertising revenue. Over time, this raised concerns about the feature’s actual effectiveness.

According to Mozilla, the Do Not Track was often disregarded, however, it could also reduce privacy. Users who depended on the feature might have overlooked other, more effective privacy tools under the false impression that their data was fully protected.

Better Privacy Features in Firefox

Mozilla recommends using the Global Privacy Control (GPC) setting. It is more widely respected by websites and even legally enforced in some jurisdictions. Moreover, Firefox offers other robust privacy features including “Enhanced Tracking Protection” that automatically blocks known trackers. Then there is a Facebook Container that prevents Facebook and its affiliates from tracking your online activities. Other than that, it also supports Private Browsing Mode to offer temporary browsing sessions without saving your history or cookies. Furthermore, there are several excellent extensions available to keep your private data securely out of the hands of trackers and advertisers.

By ending a feature that fell short of its promise, Mozilla is concentrating on tools that provide tangible privacy benefits. The shift highlights Mozilla’s mission to empower users with meaningful ways to protect their data online. The discontinuation of Do Not Track might sound like a loss, but it’s a move toward smarter, more effective privacy controls. Let’s wait and watch how Firefox assures its users that their browsers are evolving to address modern tracking challenges.