Exactly where are you seeing that Sync message? How do I create a screenshot of my problem?

IMO, Mozilla is overdoing their campaign to make users aware of the Sync feature and encouraging users to use Sync. I "get your pain" with seeing that mention of Sync so often. I don't have a "smart" phone, and have just 1 PC; so no actual need for the Sync service.

1. I see a new tab being opened after a restart right after a Firefox update is installed. That is rather new with Fx 66, 66.0.1, and 66.0.2 unless I missed it with the 3 Fx65 updates. I don't know how to clock that from appearing; I just ignore that new Sync promo page.

2. I also get it quite open when I open Firefox at the bottom of the Homepage - but it doesn't show until I scroll down to the bottom of the Homepage. That appearance can be hidden by disabling Snippets for the Homepage. Load about:preferences#home in the URL bar and hit Enter. Then look to the Firefox Home Content section of that page and de-select Snippets

If I start up Firefox, my Home page opens and looks like the attached screenshot. Note that the Sync nag appears at the bottom of the screen.

That is the location of Snippets, which can be hidden as I mentioned.

the-edmeister said

That appearance can be hidden by disabling Snippets for the Homepage. Load about:preferences#home in the URL bar and hit Enter. Then look to the Firefox Home Content section of that page and de-select Snippets

Thanks Edmeister! I had the same problem and that worked!

I am absolutely sick of Firefox constantly nagging me about "Sync" lately. The idea of Firefox sending home information about my browser really creeps me out.

I also hate how Firefox presumptuously assumes that I own a cellphone. Not only have I no interest in making phone calls outdoors, but as a health-conscious person I would never use technology that has been proven to pose a serious threat to human health and absolutely causes cancer in the user.

MartyJames said

Thanks Edmeister! I had the same problem and that worked! I am absolutely sick of Firefox constantly nagging me about "Sync" lately. The idea of Firefox sending home information about my browser really creeps me out. I also hate how Firefox presumptuously assumes that I own a cellphone. ....

The Snippets information is shown to all users, and the information contained in the Snippets does "rotate" among a few different topics, from what I have read. I don't see the Snippets due to setting my own choice of the Homepage I see. I have no real use for Sync, what with having only one desktop PC and no Smart phone, just a basic cell phone that I use for phone calls only (cheaper than land-line service).

As far as "sending home information about your browser" goes, that information is minimal and not anything beyond what websites use to tailor their content for the vast number of different devices being used on the internet in this day and age.

On start up of Firefox the first time each day, Firefox will "ping" the updates server to check for a Firefox program update and for updates to installed Add-ons; the updates for Firefox can't be disabled without resorting to adding a fairly complicated code, but the Add-ons check for updates can be disabled in the Add-ons Manager - globally for all or for each Add-on individually. Search Engine updates can be disabled in about:preferences = Options > General.

Overall, ny suggestion is to set your own choice for your Homepage. https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/how-to-set-the-home-page

Thanks edmeister.

the-edmeister said

As far as "sending home information about your browser" goes, that information is minimal and not anything beyond what websites use to tailor their content for the vast number of different devices being used on the internet in this day and age.

I was under the impression that "Sync" sent my bookmarks back to Firefox? I have over 25,000 bookmarks carefully arranged into hundreds of folders. Those bookmarks are my life, and very personal to me, revealing almost every kind of site I've ever looked at over the past 25 years. I would hope that details about my bookmarks have never, and will never, be sent anywhere.

Sync is completely separate from the browser information that is sent to Mozilla upon start up - which typically relates to the version of Firefox that is being used, with no individual identifying information.

MartyJames said

Thanks edmeister. the-edmeister said

As far as "sending home information about your browser" goes, that information is minimal and not anything beyond what websites use to tailor their content for the vast number of different devices being used on the internet in this day and age.

I was under the impression that "Sync" sent my bookmarks back to Firefox? I have over 25,000 bookmarks carefully arranged into hundreds of folders. Those bookmarks are my life, and very personal to me, revealing almost every kind of site I've ever looked at over the past 25 years. I would hope that details about my bookmarks have never, and will never, be sent anywhere.

Data sent to Sync servers is encrypted locally on your computer and can't be read by Mozilla.

jscher2000 said

Data sent to Sync servers is encrypted locally on your computer and can't be read by Mozilla.

That is good to hear, and somewhat reassuring. For all its incessant nagging about Sync, Firefox has never pointed out that key detail, which, for me, throws a totally different light on Sync.

Do you happen to know if Google Chrome encrypts its Sync data locally and can't be read by Google? Just curious, but I would imagine not.

MartyJames said

Do you happen to know if Google Chrome encrypts its Sync data locally and can't be read by Google? Just curious, but I would imagine not.

That is optional with Google Chrome Sync. https://kb.nmsu.edu/page.php?id=72656 "With a sync passphrase, you can add an extra layer of encryption so Google can't read your data."