TL;DR
A Hacker News user posted a 2026 resolution saying they will stop using Mozilla products if the organization tampers with the uBlock Origin extension. Commenters debated the claim, shared links alleging outside pressure and changes around uBlock Origin Lite, and suggested alternatives such as other browsers or network-level blocking.
What happened
On Hacker News, a user known as fl4tul4 published a post declaring a New Year’s resolution: they would give up Mozilla entirely if the organization were to interfere with the uBlock Origin extension. The thread drew responses questioning why the post framed the move as a time-limited resolution and asking for sources to support the claim that Mozilla might meddle. The original poster pointed to links in the discussion, including an Infosec.press item and coverage of “uBlock Origin Lite.” Other commenters reacted with sarcasm about Chromium-based replacements, recommended alternative projects like Ladybird, and said they would consider setting up Pi-hole. Technical pushback also appeared: one participant argued that DNS-level blocking is inadequate compared with DOM interception and filtering. Additional comments accused Mozilla of privacy backsliding, while others expressed concern about the impact on independent browser projects.
Why it matters
- User distrust toward browser vendors can influence migration to alternative software and services.
- Allegations of external influence over extension policy raise questions about extension integrity and developer autonomy.
- Technical trade-offs between blocking approaches (DNS vs DOM filtering) affect how users and operators mitigate tracking and ads.
- Debate underscores the role of community discussion in shaping perceptions of browser governance and privacy practices.
Key facts
- Original post authored by user fl4tul4 on Hacker News.
- Post headline: a 2026 resolution to abandon Mozilla if it tampers with uBlock Origin.
- Hacker News post had 13 points and 12 comments at the time of the snapshot.
- Commenters asked for sources; the poster referenced links including an Infosec.press item and a Neowin story about “uBlock Origin Lite.”
- Responses included suggestions to switch to Chromium-based browsers, use Ladybird, or set up a Pi-hole.
- At least one commenter argued DNS blocking is insufficient compared to DOM interception and filtering.
- Some participants accused Mozilla of moving away from privacy-focused practices; that claim appears in comments and is not independently verified in the thread.
What to watch next
- Whether Mozilla takes any public action or policy change regarding uBlock Origin or extension distribution — not confirmed in the source
- Official responses or statements from uBlock Origin maintainers addressing these concerns — not confirmed in the source
- Community migration trends toward alternative browsers or network-blocking tools following any such announcements — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- uBlock Origin: A browser extension that blocks ads, trackers, and other unwanted web content using filter lists and content rules.
- DOM interception: A technique where code inspects or modifies the Document Object Model of a web page to remove or alter elements before rendering.
- DNS blocking: A network-level method that prevents access to domain names by intercepting or altering DNS resolution, often used for ad or tracker blocking.
- Pi-hole: Software that provides network-wide ad and tracker blocking by acting as a DNS sinkhole for specified domains.
Reader FAQ
Who posted the resolution?
A Hacker News user with the handle fl4tul4.
Did the thread include evidence of Mozilla tampering with uBlock Origin?
The poster referenced links in the comments, but a definitive confirmation of tampering is not provided in the thread.
Were alternatives suggested by commenters?
Yes — participants mentioned Chromium-based browsers, Ladybird, and Pi-hole as possible alternatives or responses.
Has Mozilla officially changed policy or sold user data as alleged in some comments?
Not confirmed in the source.
Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login 2026 resolution: if Mozilla tampers with "uBlock Origin", I'm giving it up 13 points by…
Sources
- 2026 resolution: if Mozilla tampers with "uBlock Origin", I'm giving it up
- uBlock Origin Lite maker ends Firefox store support, slams …
- Mozilla Delays Firefox AI Kill Switch to 2026 Amid Privacy …
- You should fire who are responsible for removing ublock …
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