Mozilla has decided to restore access to certain Firefox add-ons for users in Russia that were previously blocked due to federal censorship. This decision comes after careful consideration of the regulatory environment and potential risks to the Mozilla community and staff.
Mozilla, the developer behind the popular Firefox web browser, had restricted access to several add-ons in Russia. These add-ons, which include VPN clients and proxy services, are tools used by users to bypass internet censorship.
The block affected popular extensions like Censor Tracker, Bypassing Runet Blocking, PlanetVPN, and FastProxy. This action was initially taken in response to requests from Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal executive body responsible for overseeing the media.
Why the Block Was Lifted
Mozilla’s decision to restore access aligns with its core principles of promoting an open and accessible internet. The organization initially restricted these add-ons to evaluate the legal landscape in Russia and consider the potential dangers to their community and employees.
A Mozilla spokesperson explained, “In keeping with our commitment to an open and accessible Internet, Mozilla will restore pages that were previously restricted in Russia. Our initial decision to restrict access was made while we were assessing the legislative landscape in Russia and the possible risks for our community and our employees.”
Mozilla weighed the necessity of complying with local laws against its fundamental belief in an open internet. According to its spokesperson, Mozilla had to decide whether to comply with local legislation, which would go against its principles, or risk having its services blocked in Russia. Ultimately, it chose to prioritize its core values.
“By reinstating these add-ons, we reaffirm our dedication to openness and accessibility, ensuring that the internet remains a public resource accessible to everyone, regardless of geographical location,” stated the spokesperson.
This move underlines Mozilla’s dedication to an open and free internet where users can enhance their online experience without undue restrictions. Mozilla’s Manifesto emphasizes that the Internet should be a global public resource, open and accessible to all.
Edward Sullivan from Mozilla added, “We remain committed to supporting our users in Russia and worldwide and will continue to advocate for an open and accessible internet for all.”
