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default-browser-agent.exe still running even when Firefox Data Collection and Use is disabled

  • 3 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 20 views
  • Last reply by alfadog

alfadog
alfadog
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I've had all settings in about:preferences#privacy turned off for years, but a new firewall is asking me to allow default-browser-agent.exe to send data.

I'd have thought the program should stop running altogether when all checkmarks in "Firefox Data Collection and Use" are turned off.

Can I view what data is being sent?

I've had all settings in about:preferences#privacy turned off for years, but a new firewall is asking me to allow default-browser-agent.exe to send data. I'd have thought the program should stop running altogether when all checkmarks in "Firefox Data Collection and Use" are turned off. Can I view what data is being sent?

Modified by alfadog

All Replies (3)

TyDraniu
TyDraniu
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Some info is in the docs:

Remote Disablement

The default browser agent can be remotely disabled and (re-)enabled. Each time the scheduled task runs it queries Firefox Remote Settings to determine if the agent has been remotely disabled or (re-)enabled.

If the default browser agent is disabled by policy, remote disablement will not be checked. However, the notification functionality of the agent is distinct from the telemetry functionality of the agent, and remote disablement must apply to both functions. Therefore, even if the user has opted out of sending telemetry (by policy or by preference), the agent must check for remote disablement. For a user who is currently opted out of telemetry, they will not be opted in due to the default browser agent being remotely (re-)enabled.

alfadog
alfadog Question owner
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I've found this link:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/software/firefox-now-tells-mozilla-what-your-default-browser-is-every-day/

Which states the following:

Once this policy is configured, when default-browser-agent.exe is executed, it will not send any of your information to Firefox's telemetry servers.

So I can see that it's by-design that the program runs, even if nothing has been enabled to send.

So, what data is sent/received when all Firefox Data Collection and Use settings are disabled?

alfadog
alfadog Question owner
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---EDIT--- Sorry for the downvote... My finger slipped and apparently it's irreversible, but for the record, your post was extremely helpful.


I've submitted a feature request to change the default-browser-agent.exe issue.

Thanks for your help!

Modified by alfadog