At a critical moment when AI is redefining the browser, Mozilla has welcomed its new leader—Anthony Enzor-DeMeo officially appointed as CEO, succeeding interim CEO Laura Chambers. This promotion of the former Firefox business general manager signals that this organization, dedicated to privacy and an open web, is trying to carve out a "non-compromising" third path in the AI wave.
The browser market is currently undergoing a once-in-a-decade transformation. The traditional three giants—Chrome, Safari, and Firefox—are facing strong challenges from newcomers such as Perplexity, Arc, Opera, and even OpenAI. These new players deeply integrate large models and intelligent agents into the browsing experience, aiming to transform the browser from an "information gateway" into an "AI-native operating system." Mozilla clearly realizes that if it does not catch up, it risks being completely marginalized.
In his inaugural statement, Enzor-DeMeo explicitly stated that Mozilla will invest in AI and add AI features to Firefox. However, he also emphasized that these features must be optional and adjustable. "AI should always be a choice—users should be able to easily turn it off. People should understand why a feature works and what value they gain from it." This position directly addresses the concerns of current AI-native browsers: black-box reasoning, opaque data collection, and mandatory experiences.
This move also responds to the anxiety of Firefox's core user base. For many years, users have chosen Firefox precisely because it does not bundle AI, does not track behavior, and does not push algorithmic content. If Mozilla were to fully embrace AI, it might lose its last competitive advantage. Now, the "AI optional" approach is both a response to market trends and a safeguard for user trust.
Beyond product strategy, Mozilla is also accelerating its business model transformation. Currently, over 80% of the company's revenue depends on the default search agreement with Google. To reduce single-source revenue risk, Mozilla is expanding its product lineup: in addition to its main browser, it also operates Thunderbird email client and Mozilla VPN, and last year launched an AI website-building tool for small and medium enterprises. Enzor-DeMeo said the goal is to develop Firefox into a "more extensive trusted software ecosystem."
Over the past few years, Mozilla has experienced painful adjustments: in 2023, it laid off 30%, significantly reduced global advocacy projects, and focused on core technologies. Now, under the leadership of the new CEO, this nonprofit and commercial dual-track institution is trying to prove that privacy and AI are not opposing forces, and an open network can coexist with intelligent experiences.
In the AI browser arms race, Mozilla may not be able to win by showcasing technology, but it is betting on another key card—user trust. Whether this bet succeeds or fails will determine whether there is still space for the open web in the future.
