Firefox 72 to Allow Deletion of Telemetry Data, Release Next Week

According to Mozilla, Firefox version 72, scheduled for release next week, will let users delete telemetry data collected by the browser during web surfing. With this update, Mozilla is bringing Firefox into compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which took effect on January 1, 2020.

What Is the CCPA?

The CCPA, like other similar initiatives, is designed to ensure transparency in data collection. Every user should know exactly what personal information is being collected by software and online services. Additionally, people must have tools to access, modify, and completely delete their collected personal data.

New Privacy Controls in Firefox 72

Mozilla notes that Firefox already meets all of these requirements, but the developers are now adding extra features for personal data control. Firefox 72 will allow users to delete even minor telemetry data collected by the browser.

What Is Telemetry Data?

According to information posted on Mozilla’s blog, telemetry data includes things like the number of open tabs and the duration of browser sessions. However, details about the websites you visit are not recorded as part of this data.

It’s also important to note that when using private browsing mode, this kind of information is not saved. Additionally, you can always disable telemetry in Firefox if you prefer.