Mozilla Firefox Web Browser

Mozilla refers to the brand and organization behind various open-source software projects, most notably the Firefox web browser. The project has its roots in 1998, when Netscape Communications Corporation released the source code for its browser software to the public. This led to the creation of the Mozilla Organization (later the Mozilla Foundation) to coordinate development. Firefox was officially launched in 2004 as a faster, more privacy-focused alternative to mainstream browsers.

Today, the Mozilla Corporation operates as the taxable, for-profit subsidiary of the non-profit Mozilla Foundation. This unique hybrid structure allows the company to engage in commercial activities, such as search engine partnerships, while reinvesting all profits back into the mission of keeping the internet open and accessible. While its headquarters are in the United States, its product development is global, involving a community of open-source contributors and employees working from various international locations.

Mozilla remains an independent organization with no external shareholders. Its governance is led by the Mozilla Foundation's board, ensuring that its products, including Firefox, Thunderbird, and Pocket, prioritize user privacy and public benefit over corporate profit.