Mozilla Foundation
The Mozilla Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to promote openness, innovation, and opportunity on the internet. It is most notably known for its stewardship of the Firefox web browser, which is developed by its subsidiary, the Mozilla Corporation.
History
The roots of the Mozilla Foundation trace back to the late 1990s when Netscape Communications Corporation decided to release the source code of its flagship product, Netscape Navigator, under an open-source license. This initiative gave birth to the Mozilla Project in 1998. Here are some key milestones:
- 1998: Netscape releases its browser source code, leading to the creation of the Mozilla Project.
- 2003: The Mozilla Foundation is officially established to oversee the Mozilla Project and promote open-source software.
- 2005: The Mozilla Corporation is created as a taxable subsidiary to handle the commercial aspects of the project, allowing the Foundation to focus on its mission.
- 2006: Release of Firefox 2, the first major version of Firefox developed entirely by Mozilla after the disbandment of Netscape.
- 2013: The Mozilla Foundation launches the Mozilla Learning initiative to empower people through learning and contributing to the web.
Mission and Activities
The mission of the Mozilla Foundation is to ensure the internet remains a global public resource, open and accessible to all. Its activities include:
- **Advocacy**: Advocating for policies that promote an open internet, privacy, and security.
- **Innovation**: Supporting the development of new technologies and standards that benefit the web ecosystem.
- **Community Engagement**: Fostering a community of contributors who work on projects like Firefox, Thunderbird, and Rust.
- **Education**: Through initiatives like Mozilla Learning, it promotes digital literacy, coding, and web literacy.
Structure
The Mozilla Foundation operates with a board of directors and has a staff that oversees various programs. Its main entities include:
Impact and Influence
The Mozilla Foundation has significantly influenced the web:
- It has been instrumental in promoting open standards and protocols, leading to a more interoperable web.
- Firefox has been a key player in challenging the dominance of proprietary browsers, pushing for better privacy and user control.
- Through its initiatives, Mozilla has helped to educate millions on internet safety, privacy, and digital rights.
External Links
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