In a significant move reflecting the challenges faced by the tech industry, the Mozilla Foundation has announced the layoff of approximately 30% of its employees. This decision comes as the nonprofit arm of the Firefox browser maker grapples with what it describes as a “relentless onslaught of change” in the technology landscape.
According to the Foundation’s annual tax filings, it reported having 60 employees during the 2022 tax year. However, the workforce had grown to around 120 at the time of the layoffs, a figure that Mozilla did not dispute when approached by TechCrunch.
This marks the second round of layoffs at Mozilla in 2023, following earlier cuts that affected employees working on the Firefox browser. The organization comprises several entities, including the Mozilla Corporation, which develops Firefox, and the Mozilla Foundation, which oversees corporate governance and policy-making.
Historically, the Mozilla Foundation has championed issues such as privacy, inclusion, and the decentralization of technology, aiming to create safer and more transparent online experiences for users. However, in an email to staff on October 30, executive director Nabiha Syed announced that two major divisions—advocacy and global programs—would no longer be part of the Foundation’s structure. Despite this, Borrman later clarified that advocacy remains a central tenet of the Foundation’s work, albeit integrated into other functional areas.
Syed, who joined the Mozilla Foundation in February after leading the data journalism site The Markup, emphasized the need for a “unified, powerful narrative” and a revamp of the Foundation’s strategic communications. In her message to staff, she highlighted the increasing stakes of Mozilla’s mission, stating, “Navigating this topsy-turvy, distracting time requires laser focus — and sometimes saying goodbye to the excellent work that has gotten us this far because it won’t get us to the next peak.”
As Mozilla navigates these changes, the organization aims to adapt to the evolving tech landscape while remaining committed to its foundational principles.
The advocacy division of the Mozilla Foundation has historically played a crucial role in promoting the organization’s mission to create a more open, inclusive, and equitable internet. This division has focused on several key areas:
- Privacy and Data Protection: Mozilla has been a strong advocate for user privacy rights, pushing for policies and practices that protect individuals’ data from misuse. The advocacy team has worked to raise awareness about the importance of privacy in the digital age, often engaging in campaigns that highlight the risks associated with data collection and surveillance.
- Internet Freedom and Access: The advocacy division has championed efforts to ensure that the internet remains a free and open platform for all users. This includes fighting against censorship, promoting net neutrality, and supporting initiatives that aim to expand internet access to underserved communities globally.
- Digital Inclusion: Mozilla has focused on promoting digital literacy and inclusion, ensuring that marginalized groups have access to the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the online world effectively. This includes initiatives aimed at empowering underrepresented communities and advocating for policies that support equitable access to technology.
- Decentralization of Technology: The advocacy team has also been involved in promoting decentralized technologies that empower users and reduce reliance on centralized platforms. This aligns with Mozilla’s commitment to fostering an internet that prioritizes user control and choice.
- Policy Engagement: The division has actively engaged with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations to influence legislation and regulations that impact the digital landscape. This includes participating in discussions around data protection laws, internet governance, and technology ethics.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Mozilla’s advocacy efforts often include public awareness campaigns aimed at educating users about their rights and the implications of technology on society. These campaigns seek to inform the public about issues such as online privacy, misinformation, and the importance of an open internet.
With the recent restructuring and the announcement that the advocacy division would no longer exist as a standalone entity, there are concerns about how these critical issues will be addressed moving forward. While Mozilla’s leadership has assured that advocacy will remain a central focus integrated into other functional areas, the specifics of how this will be implemented and the potential impact on ongoing initiatives remain to be seen. The challenge will be to maintain the momentum of advocacy efforts while adapting to the new organizational structure and priorities.