Firefox Just Killed Hidden Tracking: Your 3-Step Guide to Using Mozilla’s New Privacy Shield (The Extension Vetting Policy)
From CyberDudeBivash Privacy & Vetting Team · 30 Oct 2025 · cyberdudebivash.com
The Hidden Threat in Your Browser
Browser extensions are a top threat vector for corporate data leakage. They have *full* access to your browser sessions, cookies, and network traffic. **Don’t just rely on Mozilla’s policy—vet every extension with a pro-grade security audit.** Request a Browser Security Audit →
PRIVACY: MOZILLA POLICY • EXTENSION VETTING • NO MORE HIDDEN DATA
Situation Brief: Starting **November 3, 2025**, Mozilla has mandated that all *new* Firefox extensions must **explicitly declare** their data collection and transmission practices. This move directly addresses the greatest source of hidden user tracking: third-party add-ons. For Firefox users, this means unprecedented transparency and **informed consent** directly at the point of installation.
This is a **CyberDudeBivash User Privacy Brief** on how Mozilla is turning the tables on sneaky data harvesting. For years, browser extensions have been a privacy black box. Now, Firefox users get a **”nutrition label”** for data collection *before* the add-on is installed. We’ll show you exactly how this new policy works and the 3 steps you can take today to protect your browsing data.
Executive Summary (TL;DR for Firefox Users)
- **The Change:** All new Firefox extensions must now declare exactly what personal data they collect (e.g., location, browsing history, financial info) in their core code file (`manifest.json`).
- **The Benefit:** You will see a clear, required **data disclosure notice** during the installation prompt, similar to permissions, giving you veto power *before* the add-on is active.
- **The Status:** The mandate applies to **all new extensions** starting November 3, 2025. It will be extended to **all existing extensions** in the first half of 2026.
- **Your Action:** When installing a new Firefox extension, **ALWAYS read the Data Collection disclosure** and ask, “Is this functionality worth sharing this specific type of data?”
- **Our Recommendation: Combine this new feature with a Pro-Grade VPN for total data sovereignty.**
Contents: Your Full Privacy Guide
- Phase 1: What the Policy Requires (The “Nutrition Label”)
- Phase 2: How it Changes Your Installation Flow (The Veto Power)
- Your 3-Step Action Plan to Maximize Firefox Privacy
- Our Vetted Privacy Toolkit (Browser & Network)
Phase 1: What the Policy Requires (The “Nutrition Label”)
This new rule is a game-changer because it stops developers from hiding data practices in a distant Privacy Policy document. The disclosure is now a non-negotiable part of the extension itself.
Mandatory, Categorized Disclosure
Every new extension must use a specific key in its core configuration to declare its status. This declaration must be one of the following:
- **”None Required”:** This is the gold standard. The extension explicitly states it collects and transmits no personal data.
- **Explicit Categories:** If data is collected, the developer must list the *type* of data, such as:
- **Financial and Payment Information**
- **Authentication Information (Usernames/Passwords)**
- **Location (GPS Coordinates)**
- **Browsing Activity**
Even extensions that collect **no data** must explicitly declare it, ensuring developers can’t claim they simply “forgot” to add the disclosure.
Phase 2: How it Changes Your Installation Flow (The Veto Power)
For the average Firefox user, the difference is immediate and empowering. The old method of hunting through an extension’s settings *after* installation is over. You now have the power to say **No** at three key points:
1. The Installation Prompt
When you click “Add to Firefox,” the standard prompt shows API permissions (**”Access your tabs,”** **”Read your browsing history,”** etc.). Now, the **Data Collection Disclosure** appears on the *same screen*. If the extension needs to collect data, you must click **Opt-In** to proceed. If you deny it, the extension will not be installed.
2. The Add-ons Page (`about:addons`)
For any extension you already have or install, you can revisit the **Permissions and Data** section on the main add-ons page to review the developer’s declaration at any time. This is key for your periodic security hygiene.
3. The AMO Listing Page
Before you even click “install,” the data disclosure will be clearly visible on the extension’s listing page on **addons.mozilla.org (AMO)**. This allows you to vet the privacy risk before you even download the file.
CyberDudeBivash Vetting Insight: This policy is a huge step for user consent. However, it relies on developer honesty. It does *not* mean Mozilla is actively auditing the code of *every* extension. **Your ultimate defense is still a robust network security layer** that encrypts all traffic *before* the extension can see it.
Explore Our Partner VPN Solutions →
Your 3-Step Action Plan to Maximize Firefox Privacy
Don’t just wait for the policy to roll out to all extensions in 2026. Use this as a trigger to immediately lock down your privacy settings.
Step 1: Audit Your Current Extensions (The Clean Sweep)
Go to `about:addons` right now. Remove **any extension** you haven’t used in the last month. For the remaining ones, check their permissions and ask: *Does this simple tool really need access to everything I do?* If you’re using a generic “shopping” or “weather” tool, chances are it’s over-reaching on data collection.
Step 2: Install a Trusted VPN on Your Router/Device
An extension can only see the traffic that passes through the browser. A **Virtual Private Network (VPN)** encrypts *all* your device’s traffic (browser, apps, system) *before* it leaves your machine. This is your primary defense against network-level tracking and sniffing.
Recommended Tool: **TurboVPN** is a CyberDudeBivash favorite for its no-log policy and ease of use on desktop and mobile. Secure your entire network, not just your browser.
Secure Your Data with TurboVPN (Affiliate Link) →
Step 3: Enable Firefox’s Enhanced Tracking Protection (ETP)
Ensure ETP is set to **Strict**. This will block known third-party trackers, cryptominers, and fingerprinting scripts by default. While ETP won’t stop a rogue extension (which is first-party to your browser), it eliminates most external tracking, compounding your privacy defense.
Need Advanced Training?
Knowing what to click is only half the battle. **CyberDudeBivash** recommends **Edureka’s Cyber Awareness courses** to train you and your team on behavioral security and social engineering tactics that bypass even the best tech.
Get Edureka Security Training (Affiliate Link) →
Our Vetted Privacy Toolkit (Browser & Network)
Tools we use and trust to protect our data (includes partner links):
TurboVPN Essential **network-level encryption** to hide your real IP and block network sniffing. Secure Your Whole Device → Edureka — Cyber Awareness The best defense is a trained user. Learn to spot the latest **social engineering** attacks. Train Your Human Firewall →
Kaspersky EDR/XDR For enterprise users: Endpoint Detection that monitors for rogue extension behavior and data exfiltration. Get Behavioral EDR → Alibaba Cloud (Global) For developers/security researchers: Spin up secure sandboxes to **manually vet extensions** before deployment. Build Your Sandbox Infra →
About CyberDudeBivash: Your Digital Privacy Partner
CyberDudeBivash is a Global Cybersecurity Apps, Services & Threat Intelligence Firm.
We specialize in **VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing)**, and browser extensions are a core part of corporate attack surfaces. Don’t let a “free” add-on become your most expensive data breach. We provide human-led security audits for all third-party software.
Book a Custom Security Audit →Explore Our Privacy Apps
Disclosure: We are a CyberDudeBivash Brand. This post includes affiliate links to tools we personally use and trust for **cybersecurity services**. We may earn a commission from purchases at no extra cost to you. Our opinions are independent and based on expert-led **penetration testing** and **incident response** engagements.
CyberDudeBivash — Global Cybersecurity Apps, Services & Threat Intelligence.
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