Mozilla Sees Surge in Firefox Users Thanks to EU’s Digital Markets Act

Mozilla reports a significant rise in Firefox usage across the European Union, crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for breaking long-standing barriers to browser choice.

Since the introduction of browser choice screens in 2024, Firefox's daily active users on iOS have grown by 99% in Germany and 111% in France, showing that when users are given a real choice, many move away from default browsers.

DMA boosting Firefox adoption

The DMA, which came into force in March 2024, targets major tech “gatekeepers” like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, requiring them to present users with a choice screen when setting up their devices. This allows consumers to actively select their preferred browser instead of defaulting to Chrome on Android or Safari on iOS.

The rollout of browser choice screens has been uneven — Google's implementation on Android has been inconsistent, and Apple's initial attempt in iOS 17.4 was criticized for poor design, leading to improvements in iOS 18.2. Despite these challenges, Mozilla's data shows that the regulation is making a difference, particularly in mobile markets where pre-installed browsers have historically dominated.

Firefox, an independent browser that isn't tied to any operating system, has long positioned itself as a privacy-focused alternative to Chrome and Safari. Its recent growth in the EU is not just due to the DMA but also new features designed to attract and retain users such as:

• Enhanced privacy controls, including Total Cookie Protection and advanced tracking prevention.
• Performance improvements for faster browsing and better efficiency.
• New productivity tools, such as improved tab management and password protection.

Mozilla notes that users who select Firefox via a DMA choice screen tend to stick with it, reinforcing the idea that users are actively seeking better alternatives when given an easy way to switch.

Despite the positive impact, Mozilla warns that gatekeepers are still resisting full compliance with the DMA. Some companies have been slow to implement browser choice screens or have designed them in ways that subtly push users back toward their default browsers. Regulators in the EU are monitoring compliance, and violations could result in fines of up to 10% of a company's global revenue.

For now, Mozilla sees the DMA as a turning point for competition in the browser market. While browser choice screens remain an EU-only feature, the success of the regulation could inspire similar measures in other regions, potentially reshaping the global browser landscape.

For users looking to switch now, make sure to check out our detailed guide on how to set Firefox for ultimate user privacy.