The Mozilla Foundation has undertaken a significant restructuring, laying off nearly 30% of its workforce. This decision aims to streamline operations and better position the organization in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
This marks the second round of layoffs for the nonprofit within the past year and represents a substantial shift in how Mozilla plans to pursue its mission of creating a more open, inclusive, and equitable internet. Widely known for its Firefox browser, Mozilla’s latest move will involve cutting several major units and eliminating certain projects as it sharpens its strategic focus.
In a statement shared with TechCrunch, Mozilla explained that this reorganization is intended to enhance the “agility and impact” of its work. The nonprofit will concentrate its resources on key priorities such as privacy, inclusivity, and decentralization, particularly as it navigates a “dynamically changing tech environment.” The restructuring will involve dissolving some long-standing projects and positions that no longer align with Mozilla’s future goals, reflecting a decisive shift to better position the organization for long-term impact.
While the exact number of affected employees remains unclear, reports suggest that Mozilla’s headcount increased from approximately 60 employees in 2022 to around 120 prior to the layoffs.
Another significant outcome of this restructuring is the closure of Mozilla’s advocacy programs division, a unit that has been integral to the foundation’s mission, especially in advocating for digital privacy, safety, and decentralized technology. Historically, this division has spearheaded initiatives that resonate with Mozilla’s core values, often taking strong stances on user privacy rights and open-source principles.
The layoffs are not only a response to immediate operational challenges but also part of a forward-looking strategy to sharpen Mozilla’s focus on essential areas. Moving forward, Mozilla plans to concentrate on its goals of advancing privacy, fostering inclusivity, and promoting decentralized technologies.
