Mozilla ditches Google for Yahoo as default Firefox search engine

Google is no longer the global default search engine for the open-source Firefox browser, Mozilla Corp. announced this week.

 

Mozilla Corp. CEO Chris Beard said the choice of default search engine will be by country, after Mozilla decided not to renew its agreement with Google.

 

"Today we are announcing a change to our strategy for Firefox search partnerships. We are ending our practice of having a single global default search provider. We are adopting a more local and flexible approach to increase choice and innovation on the Web, with new and expanded search partnerships by country," Beard said.

 

Beard noted Google had been the Firefox global search default since 2004, but when Mozilla and Google's agreement came up for renewal this year, "we took this as an opportunity to review our competitive strategy and explore our options."

 

In evaluating search partnerships, he said Mozilla's primary consideration was to ensure its strategy aligned with its values of choice and independence.

 

Also, he said search is a core part of the online experience for everyone, with Firefox users alone searching the Web more than 100 billion times per year.

 

Google

 

However, Beard said Google will remain a built-in option for search in Firefox.

 

"Google will also continue to power the Safe Browsing and Geolocation features of Firefox," he said.

 

Yahoo, Yandex, Baidu

 

Under a new five-year strategic partnership, Yahoo Search will become the default search experience for Firefox in the United States.

 

Yahoo will also support Do Not Track (DNT) in Firefox, Beard said.

 

"Starting in December, Firefox users will be introduced to a new enhanced Yahoo Search experience that features a clean, modern interface that brings the best of the Web front and center," he said.

 

But he stressed other search engines including Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, eBay, Amazon, Twitter and Wikipedia will remain built-in as alternate search options.

 

In Russia, Beard said Yandex Search will become the default search experience for Firefox in Russia.

 

In China, Baidu will continue to be the default search experience for Firefox.

 

"While we have decided to not renew our agreement for global default placement, Google will continue to be a pre-installed search option," he said.

 

Meanwhile, he said Mozilla will now focus on expanding its work with motivated partners "to explore innovative new search interfaces, content experiences, and privacy enhancements across desktop and mobile." — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News