Firefox to Block HTTP Downloads from HTTPS Pages Soon

By Ava McKinneyOnline Safety

Firefox Will Soon Block HTTP Downloads from HTTPS Pages

Mozilla is finalizing a new feature in its Firefox browser that will block unsafe file downloads. This feature, known as mixed content blocking, prevents files from being downloaded over HTTP from pages that use HTTPS.

The goal of this feature is to protect Firefox users from a false sense of security. Even if the address bar shows HTTPS, files downloaded via HTTP could be modified during transfer, putting users at risk.

Feature Highlights

  • All file downloads over HTTP from HTTPS pages will be blocked, with a notification appearing in the Firefox Download Center (CTRL+J).
  • Users will still have the option to proceed with such downloads if they choose.
  • Downloads over HTTP from HTTP pages will not be blocked.
  • Direct access to HTTP download links (copied and pasted into the Firefox address bar) will not be blocked.

This new feature is already available in Firefox beta, developer, and nightly builds. It is expected to roll out to all users in Firefox version 92, scheduled for release in September 2021.

A similar feature has been present in Chrome and most Chromium-based browsers since late 2020, gradually introduced from version 81 to 88.

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