topic Why doesn't blocking AI extend to widgets? in Discussions

Why doesn't blocking AI extend to widgets?

Anonymous — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:23:24 GMT

So, I have AI features blocked in my settings, but lo-and-behold, I open up a new tab today and AI widgets have appeared without my doing anything. I don't have studies enabled either.

The crossword widget is supplied by "Particle.news" which is an AI personalization tool. Is this a bug? An oversight?

Also why are you opting me into widgets when Firefox clearly knows I've hidden them entirely since it persists that setting? Is this another bug? Is this expected behaviour and part of some new marketing initiative? Should I be taking this to Bugzilla?

Anyone else encounter this? I assume I can't be the only one, but I'm getting annoyed at the number of times I'm forced to opt out of things now that should easily be identifiable case of "this user should opt in".

Re: Why doesn't blocking AI extend to widgets?

Agentvirtuel — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 07:07:24 GMT

Hello

Use widgets
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/firefox-new-tab-widgets

Customize items
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/customize-items-on-firefox-new-tab-page
You can Manage widgets

Alternative access
Type about:preferences#home into your address bar
Take a look at Firefox Home
Widgets

Re: Why doesn't blocking AI extend to widgets?

Agentvirtuel — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 07:21:29 GMT

If despite your actions already taken, notably on the widget Hide widget without effect for you, you can join the Firefox community forum https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/firefox

File a bug report or feature request for Mozilla products
https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/file-bug-report-or-feature-request-mozilla
If you wish, you can file a bug report

Firefox https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/describecomponents.cgi?product=Firefox