GoKawiilMozilla is integrating a free VPN service directly into the Firefox web browser, confirming rumors that first surfaced last year.
Previously available only as a standalone paid subscription, Firefox VPN officially debuts with the release of Firefox version 149. The service will initially launch on Tuesday in the US, UK, France and Germany, with plans for a broader global rollout in the future. Those who opt in will receive 50GB of free monthly data to mask their IP address and location while browsing.
Free VPNs can be dangerous. If they're not from a trusted provider, they can put your data at risk or include vulnerabilities you wouldn't find in some of the more popular paid VPN services.
In its post about the Firefox 149 updates, Mozilla notes, "Free VPNs can sometimes mean sketchy arrangements that end up compromising your privacy, but ours is built from our data principles and commitment to be the world's most trusted browser."
It's unclear whether Mozilla will pursue any audit or certification for the free service, though CNET's findings suggest VPN audits don't always indicate that a service is completely secure.
A Mozilla representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
In CNET's tests, among VPN services that offer a free tier, the best free plan on the market is Proton VPN's free service. (It's the only free VPN CNET currently recommends.) But the free Proton VPN service is missing some features found in the company's premium plan, such as the ability to choose a server manually or connect multiple devices at the same time.
For limited or casual use
Mozilla's overall VPN technology has undergone independent audits from Cure53, has resolved security issues over its history and uses WireGuard, which gives it a good security foundation.
The browser-based free version may give the impression that it offers the same level of overall protection as a stand-alone VPN. However, it only protects web traffic viewed through the Firefox browser.
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