Feature Request: Native Startup Authentication (PIN/Password) for Firefox Desktop

[denisin22]

Hi Firefox Team,

I have been a long-time user of Firefox and truly appreciate the privacy features you provide. However, I’ve noticed a missing feature that would significantly enhance user privacy in shared environments: A Native Startup PIN/Password Lock.

The Problem: Currently, on the desktop version, anyone with access to the computer's OS profile can open Firefox and view open tabs, browsing history, and sometimes session cookies. While "Primary Password" protects saved credentials, it doesn't prevent unauthorized access to the browsing session itself.

The Proposal: I would like to suggest a feature where users can enable a PIN or Password prompt immediately upon launching the Firefox application.

Key Features:

1. Startup Authentication: A prompt for a PIN or Password before the main browser window loads.

2. Guest Mode Fallback: If the user doesn't know the PIN, provide an option to "Enter as Guest" which opens a fresh, temporary profile with no access to the main user's history, bookmarks, or saved data.

3. OS Integration: Optionally allow users to use Windows Hello, TouchID, or Linux Biometrics to unlock the browser.

Why this is important: Many users share their devices with family members or colleagues. Having a native lock would provide an extra layer of "privacy at a glance" without needing to set up complex OS-level user accounts for quick borrowing.

Thank you for considering this addition to make Firefox the most secure and private browser on the market

[Jon]

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