Firefox tests privacy-focused direct results in the address bar with possible sponsorships

Mozilla is developing a Firefox feature that shows direct results in the address bar, letting users access answers or websites without opening a search results page. These results can include flight status updates, direct links, or recommendations, providing more useful responses than traditional search suggestions that redirect to a search engine page.

The feature prioritizes privacy through Oblivious HTTP, a protocol designed by Mozilla that encrypts search queries. Requests are relayed via Fastly, which sees the user’s IP but not the content, while Mozilla receives the query text but not the user’s identity. This ensures no single party can link searches to individuals.

Mozilla will keep offering regular suggestions and add direct results only when confident in their relevance. The rollout begins in the United States, with plans to expand after testing performance. Users can disable the feature in Firefox’s Search settings or by setting browser.urlbar.quicksuggest.online.enabled to “false” in about:config. It’s also important to note that some direct results may be sponsored, but only if they are relevant and privacy is fully preserved, with sponsors not knowing who they’re for, the company says.