In light of this controversy, we've taken some time to revisit the default browser choice in Zorin OS.
Because of Mozilla's policy changes and the new Terms of Use for Firefox, we no longer feel assured that Firefox aligns with our commitment to privacy. As a result, we're open to changing the default browser in Zorin OS 17.3 onward if this issue isn't sufficiently addressed.
When looking for an alternative, we have the following requirements for a new potential default web browser:
- A general-purpose, full-featured browser that supports the most common use cases (including streaming DRM content like Netflix and Prime Video)
- Free and Open Source Software
- Privacy-respecting
- Popular and recognisable
- Mature and well-maintained (important for the quick availability of patches for any security vulnerabilities)
Based on our research, we've narrowed the choices down to one browser by process of elimination. The only browser that appears to satisfy all of these requirements is Brave.
Brave already has an APT repository that hosts the browser package for Linux users. That means we could theoretically switch the default browser to Brave at a moment's notice with our existing ISO build system and upgrade infrastructure, just in time for the launch of Zorin OS 17.3 later this month.
Nevertheless, I believe it's still fair to give Firefox one last chance if they're willing to reconsider their policy changes. As such, I've emailed a contact in Mozilla to ask if they would be willing to make their new Terms of Use optional – only if the user opts into using their new AI features, which seem to require this policy.
If I don't get a sufficiently reassuring response from Mozilla by the end of next week, the plan (at least for now) would be to switch to Brave by default for new installations of Zorin OS 17.3 onward.
If you have any thoughts or other suggestions for the default browser, your comments would be greatly appreciated.