The UK CMA published updated plans on September 23 requiring Google to show search choice screens on new Android devices and in Chrome across platforms. Mozilla supports the search choice proposals but argues they solve only half the problem, since most users never actively chose their preinstalled default browser. Citing its own 2023 experiment showing 98% user demand for browser choice screens and EU Digital Markets Act results, Mozilla wants the CMA to consult on browser choice now so both screens launch together. The EU and Japan already present both choices during device setup.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation published a detailed argument for requiring warrants before police can search stored ALPR data. The post documents extensive abuses uncovered by EFF and partners: San Jose police conducted 261,711 searches in roughly a year, averaging 692 daily. Officers nationwide have used ALPR systems to profile Romani people, monitor protesters, investigate abortions, assist immigration enforcement, retaliate against critics, and stalk romantic partners. A federal judge in Oklahoma recently agreed that such searches require a warrant. EFF acknowledges this would not eliminate mass surveillance but would add judicial oversight.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has released Privacy Badger for Safari on macOS, completing support for all major desktop browsers. The extension requires Safari 26.5 or higher, which EFF cites as enabling this long-requested port through improved extension APIs. Privacy Badger blocks trackers from loading entirely rather than merely limiting their access, and automatically sends the legally binding Global Privacy Control signal to opt users out of data sales. EFF states it will consider Safari for iOS support after resolving issues on macOS.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation has released Privacy Badger for Safari on macOS, completing support for all major desktop browsers. The extension blocks hidden trackers from loading entirely, going beyond Safari's default privacy protections which still permit trackers to load while limiting their data access. Safari 26.5 or higher is required.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) has launched a new website that restructures how it presents its expanding mission. The redesign elevates Policy & Standards to primary navigation and gives more visibility to Research & Education initiatives, including the Open Technology Research Network. The site also creates dedicated pathways for distinct audiences such as maintainers, legal professionals, founders, and policymakers.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI), in collaboration with Perforce Zend, OpenLogic, and the Eclipse Foundation, has opened the 2027 State of Open Source Survey. This year's study focuses on how organizations are adopting AI and navigating evolving regulatory environments. The survey aims to collect insights from developers, administrators, and IT leaders regarding technology deployment and operational challenges.

Mozilla and seven other organizations have launched the Trustworthy AI Map, a market map focusing on venture-backed companies building trustworthy AI infrastructure. The map covers 79 companies across 15 countries, categorizing them into seven layers of the AI stack, including identity, data control, interoperability, and evaluation. To be included, companies must demonstrate trust through human agency, trust by design, or aligned business models.

Barry Steinhardt, a lifelong advocate for privacy and digital civil liberties, has passed away. He served as the president of the Electronic Frontier Foundation from 1998 to 1999 and played a key role in the fight against the Communications Decency Act. Steinhardt's work had a significant impact on the development of digital rights and privacy laws. He was a mentor to many in the field and continued to work on privacy and technology issues throughout his career.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the ACLU of Wisconsin have filed a petition with the Wisconsin Supreme Court regarding law enforcement use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). The petition argues that the state constitution requires a warrant for retrospective searches of ALPR databases in Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, and Green Bay. The legal challenge is brought on behalf of a religious organization and an individual pastor to protect location privacy and prevent mass surveillance.

An audit by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS OIG) has identified significant privacy and oversight weaknesses in the TSA's facial recognition processes. The report found that the vendor for Credential Authentication Technology 2 (CAT-2) was able to extract sensitive information, such as passport and driver's license images, during system maintenance without TSA's knowledge. The agency currently lacks sufficient policies to track data extraction or verify the deletion of such information.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and other free speech advocates have secured a legal victory regarding the 'Catch and Revoke' mass surveillance program. A court has ruled that the lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of this program can proceed. The program is described as a mechanism that could lead to the suppression of online speech.

A California trial court dismissed the SIREN v. San Jose lawsuit, which challenged the city's use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) data without warrants. The EFF and ACLU argued that the networked system, consisting of nearly 500 cameras, enables mass surveillance by tracking vehicle movements over time. The court's decision relied on a precedent involving individual streetlight cameras, concluding that driving on public roads lacks a reasonable expectation of privacy.

Mozilla has announced Firefox Enterprise, a version of the browser designed for organizations with strict security and compliance needs. The offering includes a management console that can be hosted on an institution's own infrastructure, enabling central control over browser policies, data movement, and AI tool usage. The rollout is starting in Europe, specifically targeting France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has detailed a series of unlawful data consolidation efforts by the US federal government. These efforts include the DOGE agency accessing sensitive records from the OPM and Social Security Administration, DHS seizing tax and Medicaid data to target immigrants, and the expansion of the SAVE system to purge voter rolls. The EFF and other organizations are using lawsuits to challenge these practices and protect data privacy laws.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) participated in the 81st UN General Assembly, where Executive Director Duane O'Brien spoke on a panel about open source AI and joined a Creative Commons symposium on openness and digital sovereignty. The OSI emphasized the importance of shared definitions for open source AI, citing its work on the Open Source AI Definition. The organization also attended the inaugural 50-in-5 Awards for digital public infrastructure, recognizing countries and individuals building digital public goods.

The Mozilla Corporation has announced the addition of Jambu Palaniappan and David Parry-Jones to its Board of Directors. The appointments aim to bring deep operating experience and technology business leadership to the organization. Palaniappan brings experience from Checkatrade and OMERS Ventures, while Parry-Jones joins with a background from DeepL, Microsoft, and VMware.

One hundred days after the 'Over The Edge 2.0' report, Mozilla states that Microsoft continues to use deceptive design patterns to prioritize Edge. While some changes were implemented in the European Economic Area (EEA) due to the Digital Markets Act, users in other regions still face forced defaults in Windows Search, Widgets, and Copilot. Mozilla is now taking these findings to global regulators.

In observance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Mozilla is promoting the free security features integrated into the Firefox browser. These tools include a password manager with cross-device sync, a browser-specific VPN that masks IP addresses, and Firefox Relay for email and phone number masking. The browser also maintains default protections like enhanced tracking protection and fingerprinting defense.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) is marking Linux's 35th anniversary by reflecting on the importance of community and collaboration in open source. The OSI is also engaged with stakeholders to discuss the future of open source in artificial intelligence, including the development of open models and licenses. The organization will be hosting a track at the All Things Open conference to share its work and discuss the intersection of open source and AI.

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) has released a position clarifying the distinction between open-weight AI models and true Open Source AI. While open-weight models allow for local hosting and fine-tuning, they lack the transparency of the training data and preparation code. OSI emphasizes that true Open Source AI must provide access to weights, training code, and data to uphold the four core software freedoms.