Mozilla CEO Mitchell Baker is calling out Microsoft, Apple, and Google for their lack of commitment to open source technology. In a recent interview with The Verge, she said that the tech giants are “not doing enough” to support open source projects like Firefox.
Baker believes that these companies should be investing more in open source software development and contributing back to the community. She also noted that while some of them have made contributions in the past, they haven’t done enough recently.
“We need more investment from all of these companies into open source projects like Firefox,” she said. “They can do this by providing resources such as funding or technical expertise. They could also provide access to their proprietary technologies so we can build better products faster.”
The Mozilla CEO went on to criticize Microsoft for its decision to switch its Edge browser from using Google’s Chromium engine (which is based on an open-source project) to its own proprietary engine called Bing Core UI (BCUI). She argued that this move was a step backwards for web standards and interoperability because it would make it harder for developers who rely on Chrome APIs and toolsets when creating websites or applications.
“Microsoft has been very clear about wanting Edge users to use Bing search instead of other search engines,” Baker said. “But what they’re not doing is making sure those same users have access to the best possible experience across different browsers.”
Baker believes that if tech giants like Microsoft invested more in open source projects like Firefox then everyone would benefit from improved web standards and interoperability between different browsers and platforms—including Windows 10 users who are stuck with BCUI as their default browser engine now due to Microsoft’s decision last year .
“It’s important for us all—as consumers, developers, businesses—to ensure our digital experiences remain accessible regardless of which platform we choose,” she added. “That means supporting initiatives like ours at Mozilla which focus on building an internet where people come first.”
At Mozilla, Mitchell Baker leads a team dedicated towards developing an internet where people come first through investments in privacy protection tools such as Private Browsing Mode; security features such as Enhanced Tracking Protection; accessibility features including VoiceOver support; performance improvements via Quantum CSS & JavaScript optimizations; plus many other innovations designed specifically with user needs in mind rather than corporate interests alone .
In addition , Mozilla works closely with partners around the world —from governments , non-profits , universities , research labs , industry leaders —to create new opportunities within emerging markets ; develop innovative solutions ; promote digital literacy ; foster collaboration among stakeholders ; advocate for responsible data practices ; protect online rights & freedoms ; advance public policy initiatives related Internet health & safety issues . All these efforts help ensure individuals everywhere have access safe & secure online experiences no matter which device or platform they choose .
Ultimately though , Mitchell Baker wants tech giants like Microsoft , Apple & Google – along with any company involved in shaping today’s digital landscape – commit themselves fully towards advancing openness & innovation within our connected world : “Openness isn’t just something nice – it’s essential if we want progress .”
The Verge