Backpedaling on AI: LG and Mozilla Offer Users Control Over Copilot and Firefox's AI Features
In a welcome move for consumers wary of intrusive artificial intelligence, both LG and Mozilla have announced concessions regarding their recent AI integrations. The growing trend of AI appearing in unexpected, and often unsolicited, places has sparked user outcry, prompting these tech giants to re-evaluate their strategies.
LG, facing criticism for the appearance of Microsoft Copilot on its webOS smart TVs, has clarified the technology's implementation. Chris De Maria, Director of Public Relations for LG Electronics North America, explained to Tom's Hardware that Copilot isn't a pre-installed application or an integral part of the operating system. Instead, it functions as a shortcut—an icon that launches the Microsoft Copilot website within the TV's built-in browser. This distinction is crucial, as it significantly limits Copilot's access to the TV's system. The microphone, for instance, only activates with explicit user consent through the browser interface, mimicking a user manually visiting the Copilot website.
Recognizing user frustration with the choice presented, LG has pledged to empower consumers. "LG Electronics respects consumer choice and will take steps to allow users to remove the shortcut if they wish," De Maria stated. This means a future webOS update will indeed permit users to remove the Copilot tile from their main screen. While the exact timeline for this update remains undisclosed, LG emphasizes that the current iteration is intentionally confined to a browser shortcut, eschewing deep integration with webOS, user data, or system resources. The company has not yet commented on the possibility of more advanced Copilot integrations in the future.
Mozilla's "AI Kill Switch" for a User-Centric Firefox
In parallel, Mozilla has confirmed plans to introduce a comprehensive option within Firefox to disable all AI functionalities. Internally dubbed the "AI kill switch," this feature aims to provide users with absolute control over AI elements within the browser. A Mozilla developer, using the pseudonym Jake, shared that this "AI kill switch" is being treated with utmost seriousness and will ensure a complete removal of AI features, preventing their reappearance.
"Something remained unclear: there will be an option in Firefox to completely disable all AI features. Internally, we called this the 'AI kill switch.' I'm confident it will come out under a less lethal name, but that's how seriously and absolutely we're taking it."
Following user feedback, Mozilla has clarified that AI features will operate on an opt-in basis, meaning users must actively choose to enable them. The "kill switch" will serve as a definitive way to opt out entirely. However, the company acknowledges the existence of "gray areas," such as whether a new button appearing on the toolbar constitutes an opt-in. Details regarding the switch's behavior after browser reinstallation, across multiple PCs, or following profile resets, as well as its manageability through policies, are still pending disclosure.
These developments signal a much-needed shift towards user control in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI integration. By offering clear opt-out mechanisms and restricting intrusive implementations, both LG and Mozilla are demonstrating a commitment to prioritizing user experience and choice.
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