How does Firefox for iOS use the permissions it requests?

Firefox for iOS Firefox for iOS Last updated: 50% of users voted this helpful

App permissions

When you install an application on an iOS device, some functionality may be restricted by the operating system. In order to access these resources, applications ask for specific permissions. For each permission, a brief description is included to explain what it can be used for.

To install an app, you must acknowledge that you're aware of what the software is capable of by giving iOS your permission. For example, when you visit a website that requires a specific function, such as taking or uploading a picture or finding your location, iOS will ask you for permission before it performs that function.

Firefox functions and permissions

When an application needs to access any function or permission, you will be notified and prompted to accept or decline the request. Declining permissions only affects the specific feature or webpage you are currently using, it does not block the remainder of Firefox’s functionality:

  • Your location (GPS location): GPS location is used only when you choose to share your location with a website. This does not share your location with Mozilla, and Firefox never shares it with a website without your permission. Learn more about Firefox's location controls. This kind of permission would look like this:
    Location(GPS): Websites you visit may request your location. Only uses location when app is in use.
  • Take pictures and videos: When a web page asks you to upload an image, you may choose to take a picture with your device's built-in camera, but you need to grant this permission first. If a site wants to use your microphone for communication, you may choose to share that too. A website using WebRTC may request this permission.

Firefox never records audio, takes pictures or records video without your consent. Every time a site asks for permission to add a photo or record audio, a message will ask for your consent. You’ll also see a description of the resources that the website can access if you allow such permissions. For example:

  1. Camera Usage: This lets you take and upload photos.
  2. Photo Library: (Save/Upload: This lets you save and upload photos.
  3. Photo Library: (Save only): This lets you save photos.
  4. Microphone: This lets you take and upload videos.
  • FaceID: A user has the ability to protect their saved login information with either a passcode or using Apple’s biometric authentication. If a user opts to turn on FaceID, this provides the authentication without ever saving it locally or remotely.

Firefox data collection

Note: Mozilla respects and protects your personal information. We only collect the data we need to provide and improve our products and services. For more information, visit Firefox Privacy Notice.

Firefox for iOS collects the following information:

  • Contact info: Email address
    If you sign up for or sign in to a Mozilla account, Firefox for iOS receives the email address(es) you associate with that account.
  • Usage data: Product interaction, Advertising Data, Other Usage Data
    This permission is used for Analytics.
    Such as using data to evaluate user behavior to understand the effectiveness of existing product features, plan new features, or estimate number of users and characteristics.
  • Identifiers: User id, device ID
    This permission is used for Developer’s Advertising or Marketing
    Such as displaying first-party ads in the app, sending marketing communications directly to users, or sharing data with entities who will display ads.
    This permission is also used for App Functionality.
    Such as authenticating the user, enabling features, preventing fraud, implementing security measures, ensuring server up-time, minimizing app crashes, improving scalability and performance, or performing customer support.
  • Location: Coarse location
    This permission is used for Analytics
    Such as using data to evaluate user behavior to understand the effectiveness of existing product features, plan new features, or estimate number of users and characteristics.
  • Diagnostics: Crash data, performance data, other diagnostic data
    This permission is used for Analytics
    Such as using data to evaluate user behavior, including to understanding the effectiveness of existing product features, planning new features, or estimating number of users and characteristics.

This permission is also used for App Functionality
Such as authenticating the user, enabling features, preventing fraud, implementing security measures, ensuring server up-time, minimizing app crashes, improving scalability and performance, or performing customer support.

Do you share my information with third parties?

Your privacy is important to us. We do not share any of your data with third parties, except as stated in the Firefox Privacy Notice.

How can I request my data to be deleted?

You need to opt out of Usage and technical data in the settings:

  1. Tap the menu button in the toolbar.
    Fx40iosmenubar
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Scroll down to Support.
  4. Tap the toggle next to Usage and technical data.

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