In the past year, we’ve spoken a lot about why having a Firefox Account helps keep you secure and in control. But we haven’t spoken as much about about how Firefox Accounts support and advance our mission.

This post, inspired by Mitchell Baker’s 2018 All Hands presentation, seeks to clearly describe exactly how Firefox Accounts support the mission and we invite you to share your questions and thoughts below.

“Mozilla’s mission calls us to engage in the world. To understand the online world, to improve it and to join with others. The exact style with which we join with others may change over time, even as the mission remains constant.”

Throughout Mozilla’s existence we have joined with others to achieve our mission in a variety of different ways. Continuously evolving, to survive, thrive and grow.

In 1998 we joined with developers and volunteers around the world to create a different internet, one centered around open source.

When Firefox 1.0 launched, we shifted our focus towards the consumer. We popularized the integration of search in the browser by putting a link to the internet front and center in a way that was inviting to everyone.

In 2004 we made another radical change, we entered into a business relationship with Google, making it the default search option while staying true to our mission - refusing commercial terms that demanded exclusivity and continuing to offer pre-installed alternatives.

In 2018 we started a new conversation and began to evolve again.

“This era of putting people in the center requires more, it requires a relationship.”

We look at a technological landscape that is more complex than ever, apps, and connected devices that go far beyond the browser, and exist in a sea of data. Despite the fact that people everywhere are demanding more basic consumer protections, on the internet, people are left to navigate these complexities on their own.

We realize that who we are as Mozilla - our manifesto, our knowledge, and our independence - put us in a unique position to do more. We want to create a relationship where you are not the product. A relationship where we have your back and are your advocate by giving you tools to stay in control. Accounts make it possible for us to become a better user agent; one who truly empowers you across connected life.

“Your purchase supports Mozilla’s work.”

We also believe that today, the most direct, transparent and sustainable way to support the organization and fuel the mission is to be less reliant on our commercial search partnerships. To this end, we’re exploring diverse sources of revenue that include offering Firefox users ways that include paid services and features that both improve their experience and the Internet.

We’ll never compromise on a good, fast, free browser for everyone. Accounts make it possible for us to offer the people who can and want to support us even more deeply a direct way to do so within the context of our existing relationship. That support lets us be better user agents for everyone, and makes it possible for us to continue to fight for new and important ways to keep the web open, and accessible for all.

We’re excited about the potential of Firefox Accounts, and we hope you are too.

We want to know what you think: Please take a second to share your questions, ideas and feedback below.