Image source: mozilla.org

Firefox is set to start rolling out ad-based tabs in its browser interface, meaning that users will have ads to regard as they go through their most frequently used websites. This isn't something new - Mozilla had tried the same thing a while back, but had backed down amidst the backlash that followed. Mozilla VP Jonathan Nightingale acknowledged this, by admitting that the update "didn't go over well" the previous time. However, Nightingale insists that introducing ads in the tab interface won't reduce Firefox to "a mess of logos sold to the highest bidder; without user control; without user benefit." This would imply that the company will carefully select adverts, in order to temper their users. Something like uncontrolled advertising could alienate even Firefox's most loyal fans, and losing them would heavily impact the company. In a nutshell, Mozilla should tread carefully.