Need an assistant for your online activities? Several major artificial intelligence companies have moved away from chatbots like ChatGPT and are now focusing on new browsers with deep AI integration. These could take the form of agents who shop for you or ubiquitous chatbots that follow you, summarizing what you’re looking at, looking up related information, and answering related questions.
In the last week alone, OpenAI released the ChatGPT Atlas browser, while Microsoft showcased Edge’s new Copilot mode, both heavily utilizing chatbots. In early October, Perplexity made its Comet browser available for free. Mid-September saw Google rolling out Chrome with Gemini, integrating its AI assistant into the world’s most popular browser.
Following these releases, I spoke with Firefox General Manager Anthony Enzor-DeMeo to discuss whether AI-first browsers will gain traction, if Firefox will evolve to be fully AI-driven, and how user privacy expectations may change in this new era of personalized, agent-driven browsing.
Guardian: Have you tried ChatGPT Atlas or other AI browsers? I’m curious what you think about them.
Anthony Enzor-DeMeo: Yes, I’ve tried Atlas, Comet, and other competing products. What do I think about them? It’s a fascinating question: What do users want to see? Today, users typically go to Google, perform a search, and view various results. Atlas seems to be transitioning towards providing direct answers.
Guardian: Would you want that as a user?
Enzor-DeMeo: I prefer knowing where the AI derives its answers. References are important, and Perplexity’s Comet provides them. I believe that’s a positive development for the internet.
Guardian: How do you envision the future of the web? Is search evolving into a chat interface instead of relying solely on links?
Enzor-DeMeo: I’m concerned that access to content on the web may become more expensive. The internet has traditionally been free, mostly supported by advertising, though some sites do have subscriptions. I’m particularly interested in how access to content might shrink behind paywalls while aiming for a free and open internet. AI may not be immediately profitable, yet we have to guard against a shift towards a more closed internet.
Guardian: Do you anticipate Firefox releasing an AI-integrated or agent-like browser similar to Perplexity Comet or Atlas?
Enzor-DeMeo: Our focus remains on being the best browser available. With 200 million users, we need to encourage people to choose us over default options. We closely monitor user preferences regarding AI features, which are gradually introduced. Importantly, users retain control; they can disable features they do not wish to use.
Guardian: Do you think AI browsers will become popular or remain niche tools?
Enzor-DeMeo: Currently, paid AI usage is about 3% globally, so it’s premature to deem it fully mainstream. However, I believe AI is here to stay. The forthcoming years will likely see greater distribution and trial and error as we discover effective revenue models that users are willing to pay for. This varies widely by country and region, so the next phase of the internet presents uncertainties.
Guardian: What AI partnerships is Firefox considering?
Enzor-DeMeo: We recently launched Perplexity, akin to a search partnership agreement. While Google search is our default, users have access to 50 other search engines, providing them with options.
Guardian: Given your valuable partnership with Google, what financial significance does the Perplexity partnership hold?
Enzor-DeMeo: I’m unable to share specific details.
Guardian: Firefox has established its reputation on user privacy. How do you reconcile increasing demands for personalization, which requires more data, with AI-assisted browsing?
Enzor-DeMeo: Browsers inherently have a lot of user context. Companies are developing AI browsers to leverage this data for enhanced personalization and targeted ads. Mozilla will continue to honor users’ choices. If you prefer not to store data, that’s entirely valid. Users aren’t required to log in and can enjoy completely private browsing. If it results in less personalized AI, that’s acceptable. Ultimately, the choice lies with users.
Guardian: Do you think users anticipate sacrificing privacy for personalization?
Enzor-DeMeo: We’ve observed a generational divide. Younger cohorts prioritize value exchange—will sharing more information lead to a more tailored experience? In a landscape with numerous apps and social media, this expectation has emerged. However, perspectives vary between generations; Millennials often value choice, while Gen Xers prioritize privacy. Many Gen Z users emphasize personalization and choice.
Guardian: What are your thoughts on the recent court decision regarding Google’s monopoly?
Enzor-DeMeo: The judge acknowledged the influx of competition entering the market. He deliberately avoided delving into the browser engine domain. We support search competition but not at the cost of independent browsers. The ruling allows us to keep receiving compensation while monitoring market evolution over the next few years. The intersection of search and AI remains uncertain, and a prudent stance is to observe how these developments unfold.
Guardian: Firefox’s market share has been steadily declining over the past decade; what are your realistic goals for user growth in the coming years?
Enzor-DeMeo: Every user must decide to download and use Firefox. We’re proud to serve 200 million users. I believe that AI presents us with significant growth opportunities. We want to provide choices rather than lock users into a single solution, fostering diverse growth possibilities for us.
Source: www.theguardian.com
