Mozilla has indicated that Firefox could be closed down. This may be the case if the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sues Google. Mozilla’s Chief Financial Officer Eric Muelheim referred to the situation as “very scary” on Friday.
Mozilla says Firefox might close down if Google loses antitrust case
DOJ wants to block Google from paying to be the default search engine on phones and browsers. This is on browsers like Firefox. A court already decided that Google has an illegal monopoly in search. This is partly because of its exclusive deals with phone and browser makers. These deals prevent other search engines from growing and reaching users.
Even though Firefox is a competitor to Google Chrome, Mozilla relies on Google economically. Muelheim stated that approximately 90 percent of Mozilla’s income is generated through Firefox. Approximately 85 percent of it is through a single agreement with Google. That agreement makes Google the default search engine in Firefox.
Mozilla Sounds Alarm: Firefox Could Disappear—And Google Might Get Even Stronger
If Mozilla loses these funds, it would make a huge difference. Muelheim said that the company would need to cut back drastically. These cutbacks could affect the development of Firefox, and the browser would be less competitive. This could result in fewer users, which would reduce revenue even more. This vicious cycle could mean that Firefox would be closed down.
If Firefox vanishes, it will impact more than just web browsing. Mozilla’s charitable work depends on revenue from its browser. Projects like free software, artificial intelligence, and global warming research could also suffer.
Muelheim noted the irony in the DOJ’s approach. The goal is to cut down Google’s control of the web. But if Firefox goes away, there will be one less choice for browsers. This could solidify Google’s hold, rather than diminish it.
As the case unfolds, Mozilla’s notice exposes a massive problem. It exposes how difficult it is to battle tech monopolies without causing damage to the few independent companies that are still out there.
