Mozilla Firefox Removes "Do Not Track" Support: What It Means for Your Privacy

In a significant update, Mozilla Firefox has decided to remove the "Do Not Track" (DNT) option starting with version 135. The feature, which allowed users to send a privacy request to websites asking them not to track their online activity, will no longer be available. Mozilla has stated that this change comes because many websites ignore DNT requests, and in some cases, the feature might actually reduce users' privacy.

Why Is Firefox Dropping "Do Not Track"?

Introduced as a privacy-focused feature, DNT was meant to signal websites not to collect or share a user's browsing data. However, its effectiveness has diminished over time:

• Lack of Compliance: Many websites simply disregard DNT requests.
• Reduced Privacy Risks: Mozilla found that under certain circumstances, the feature could paradoxically decrease privacy by exposing additional information about users.

Instead, Mozilla is shifting focus to more robust privacy measures such as the Global Privacy Control (GPC). GPC is gaining traction as a legally enforceable standard in some regions and is increasingly being respected by websites.

While the removal of "Do Not Track" marks the end of an era, it also underscores a broader shift toward more effective privacy tools. For Firefox users, adopting GPC and enabling enhanced tracking protection offers a stronger safeguard against invasive online tracking.