How do I get rid of unwanted social API in Firefox ?
I'm looking for non-social Firefox edition or version. I want to follow the latest FF updates, but without any integrated services like social spyware and any other kind of malware. Options disable / enable are not sufficient to be safe and security in Firefox is corrupted by social API.
Social services and features must be implemented only as a simple optional extensions and nothing more.
Modified by gregorys
Chosen solution
Thanks you! "the-edmeister"
I'll check Unofficial Builds forum. I'm also interested to create my own build. I will very appreciate if you could give me some guides and advice from where to start in making own build. I'm using C and C++, JavaScript, Python and this should be enough to start exploring and modifying Firefox source code. I'm very motivated to start doing this.
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You can disable the Social features by setting the social.enabled pref to false on the about:config page.
I'm looking for non-social software release of Firefox. As I mentioned before disable/enable doesn't resolve problems and violations of privacy, security, etc.
My suggestion is to start user petition for new non-social software release of Firefox.
The best solution is to have another channel and just compile firefox without social api.
Sorry, Mozilla doesn't build a version of Firefox without the Social API's.
My suggestion is to look in the MozillaZine Third Party/Unofficial Builds forum.
You do know that by disabling the SocialAPI you are essential making it not exist in your version of Firefox. It's not malware, please check that you are using the correct definition of a word before defining something as it.
Hi Tylerdowner,
About malware - software that sends personal data about the user to unauthorized parties over the Internet.
1. There is transfer of personal data to third parties.
2. I'm not agree to use this feature and therefore these third parties are unauthorized.
3. This feature is not completely removable and it remains passively like a backdoor.
Finally from 1,2,3 it's enough to claim that it is malware
Bellow is the full and exact citation from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/malware Malicious computer software that interferes with normal computer functions or sends personal data about the user to unauthorized parties over the Internet.
Chosen Solution
Thanks you! "the-edmeister"
I'll check Unofficial Builds forum. I'm also interested to create my own build. I will very appreciate if you could give me some guides and advice from where to start in making own build. I'm using C and C++, JavaScript, Python and this should be enough to start exploring and modifying Firefox source code. I'm very motivated to start doing this.
I think that having this API where it can send data to a third party without explicit user stating that they want it breaks the EU Data Protection Rules.
On this basis I assume that Mozilla have checked the legal implications of this change?
Also I note that the page relating to about:config does not mention social!
the social API will only become active when you opt-in.
The Social API is included in Firefox in the same way that the Addons 'API' is included in Firefox - its there but you have to choose to use it.
However the Social API is turned off by default, and only you can turn it on - a social provider (like Facebook) cant do that.
Firefox also does not ship with any social providers - you have to choose to install them.
The Social API actually gives much less access to a provider than an Add-on does. It will only pass on information that you choose to share with the provider.
So if you are really determined to build a version of Firefox without the Social API then you should probably look at building one which doesnt support Addons either :)
"I think that having this API where it can send data to a third party without explicit user stating that they want it breaks the EU Data Protection Rules"
This is false, the API only sends information when you explicitly allow it.