Improve the Oasis Suggest Experience

Data Collection Process

How search query data is collected and processed:

• Search Queries: The search terms you enter in the address bar
• Anonymization: Personal identifiers are removed from the data
Aggregation: Data is combined with other users' data for analysis
• Analysis: Mozilla analyzes patterns to improve suggestions
• No Personal Tracking: Individual user behavior is not tracked

Privacy Protection Measures

How Mozilla protects your privacy:

• Anonymization: Personal information is stripped from data
• Encryption: Data is encrypted during transmission
• Limited Retention: Data is not stored indefinitely
• No Third-Party Sharing: Data is not shared with third parties
• User Control: You can disable the feature at any time

Data Usage

How the shared data is used to improve Oasis Suggest:

• Pattern Recognition: Identify common search patterns and trends
• Relevance Scoring: Improve suggestion relevance algorithms
• Feature Development: Develop new browser features and improvements
• Performance Optimization: Optimize suggestion loading and response times
• Quality Assurance: Monitor and improve suggestion quality

Enhanced Search Experience

How data sharing improves your search experience:

• More Relevant Suggestions: Suggestions that better match your search intent
• Faster Results: Quicker suggestion loading and response times
• Better Accuracy: More accurate search term predictions
• Contextual Recommendations: Suggestions based on current browsing context
• Trending Information: Access to popular and trending search topics

Improved Browser Features

Additional browser improvements from data sharing:

• Smart Recommendations: Intelligent website and content suggestions
• Enhanced Autocomplete: Better address bar autocomplete functionality
• Improved Search: Better search engine integration and results
• Feature Development: Data helps develop new browser capabilities
• Performance Enhancements: Faster and more efficient browser operation

Community Benefits

How your data helps the broader community:

• Open Source Development: Contributes to open-source browser development
• Privacy-First Innovation: Helps develop privacy-respecting browser features
• Better for Everyone: Improves the experience for all Oasis users
• Alternative to Big Tech: Supports Mozilla's mission to provide privacy-focused alternatives
• Transparent Development: Helps Mozilla develop features transparently

Accessing Settings

To enable search query data sharing:

1. Open Oasis Settings (Menu → Settings)
2. Navigate to the "Search" section
3. Find "Address Bar" or "Awesome Bar" settings
4. Look for "Oasis Suggest" or "Search Suggestions"
5. Find the option for "Improve Oasis Suggest experience"
6. Toggle the setting to enable data sharing

Alternative Method

You can also access these settings through:

1. Type about:preferences#search in the address bar
2. Scroll to the "Address Bar" section
3. Find "Oasis Suggest" settings
4. Enable "Improve Oasis Suggest experience"
5. Save your preferences

Verification

How to verify the setting is enabled:

• Check Settings: Verify the toggle is in the "On" position
Test Suggestions: Try typing in the address bar to see enhanced suggestions
• Restart Browser: Restart Oasis to ensure changes take effect
• Monitor Performance: Notice improved suggestion quality and speed

Disabling the Feature

To disable search query data sharing:

1. Open Oasis Settings (Menu → Settings)
2. Go to the "Search" section
3. Find "Address Bar" or "Awesome Bar" settings
4. Locate "Oasis Suggest" options
5. Find "Improve Oasis Suggest experience"
6. Toggle the setting to disable data sharing
7. Restart Oasis if prompted

What Happens When Disabled

Effects of disabling data sharing:

• Basic Suggestions: You'll still get basic search suggestions
• Local Data Only: Suggestions based only on your local browsing data
• Reduced Relevance: Suggestions may be less relevant or accurate
• No Data Transmission: No search query data is sent to Mozilla
• Privacy Enhancement: Maximum privacy protection for search queries

Alternative Privacy Options

Other ways to enhance privacy:

• Private Browsing: Use private browsing mode for sensitive searches
• Privacy Extensions: Install privacy-focused browser extensions
• Search Engine Settings: Configure privacy settings for your search engine
• Regular Data Clearing: Clear browsing data regularly

What "Opt-in" Means

Understanding the opt-in nature of this feature:

• Default Disabled: The feature is disabled by default for privacy
• User Choice: You must actively choose to enable it
• Reversible: You can disable it at any time
• Transparent: Clear information about what data is shared
• Respectful: Mozilla respects your privacy preferences

Why Opt-in Design

Why Mozilla uses an opt-in approach:

• Privacy First: Puts user privacy before data collection
• User Control: Gives users full control over their data
• Transparency: Ensures users make informed decisions
• Trust Building: Builds trust through respectful data practices
• Regulatory Compliance: Meets privacy regulations and standards

Making an Informed Decision

Factors to consider when deciding whether to enable:

• Privacy Preferences: Your comfort level with data sharing
• Feature Benefits: Whether you value enhanced suggestions
• Trust in Mozilla: Your confidence in Mozilla's privacy practices
• Usage Patterns: How much you use search suggestions
• Alternative Options: Other ways to get similar functionality

Privacy Questions

Common privacy-related questions:

• Is my data safe? Yes, Mozilla uses strong encryption and anonymization
• Can I be identified? No, personal information is removed from shared data
• Is data sold to third parties? No, Mozilla does not sell user data
• How long is data kept? Data is retained only as long as necessary for improvements
• Can I see what data is shared? Mozilla provides transparency about data practices

Feature Questions

Questions about the feature functionality:

• Will it slow down my browser? No, it's designed to be lightweight and efficient
• Can I enable it temporarily? Yes, you can enable/disable it at any time
• Does it work in private browsing? The setting respects private browsing preferences
• Will it affect my search results? It may improve suggestion relevance
• Can I customize what data is shared? The feature is all-or-nothing for simplicity

Technical Questions

Technical aspects of the feature:

• How is data transmitted? Data is encrypted and sent securely to Mozilla
• What if I change my mind? You can disable the feature at any time
• Does it work offline? The feature requires an internet connection
• Is it available in all regions? Availability may vary by region
• Can I use it with other browsers? This feature is specific to Oasis

Privacy Best Practices

Best practices for maintaining privacy:

• Review Settings Regularly: Check your data sharing preferences periodically
• Use Private Browsing: Use private mode for sensitive searches
• Clear Data Regularly: Clear browsing data to remove stored information
• Stay Informed: Keep up with Mozilla's privacy policies and practices
• Consider Alternatives: Explore other privacy-focused search options

Security Best Practices

Security considerations for data sharing:

• Keep Browser Updated: Use the latest version of Oasis for security
• Use HTTPS: Ensure secure connections when browsing
• Monitor Activity: Be aware of what data is being shared
• Report Issues: Report any privacy or security concerns to Mozilla
• Use Strong Passwords: Protect your accounts with strong passwords

Usage Best Practices

Getting the most out of the feature:

• Test the Feature: Try enabling it to see if it improves your experience
• Provide Feedback: Share feedback with Mozilla about the feature
• Stay Updated: Keep Oasis updated for the latest improvements
• Combine with Other Features: Use with other Oasis features for best results
• Monitor Performance: Watch for any impact on browser performance