Startpage comes to Firefox
Mozilla integrates Startpage as a built-in search option in Firefox 154 for desktop users in five European countries, simplifying private search access.
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Firefox users in Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands can now select Startpage directly from the browser’s search settings starting with Firefox 154. The integration eliminates the need for extensions or manual configurations, making Startpage the default option with a single click. Android and iOS versions are expected to follow. Existing search engine preferences remain unchanged for users who do not wish to switch.
Startpage, a Netherlands-based search engine, emphasizes privacy by not storing or linking queries to users and avoiding AI-generated answers. The company positions itself as a private alternative to major search providers, offering full search results without profiling. Firefox’s decision to include Startpage reflects growing demand for privacy-focused tools among its user base.
Ajit Varma, Head of Firefox at Mozilla, stated that the addition empowers users to choose their search method amid concerns over web experience control by a few large companies. Stewart Marlborough, President of Startpage, highlighted the browser’s alignment with privacy values, noting that Firefox users already conduct over a billion Startpage searches annually.
Mozilla underscores its commitment to user choice, allowing Firefox users to control data handling, disable AI features, and select search engines freely. The integration reinforces Firefox’s stance against pre-determined browsing experiences, emphasizing customization and privacy as core principles.