Mozilla is considering selling ads through its open-source Firefox browser’s new tab page, as part of efforts to create a new revenue stream as well take a slice from the rapidly-growing online ad market.
As part of the plan, Mozilla has also approached potential corporate sponsors regarding the fledgling ‘Directory Tiles’ programme, which mainly recommends pre-packaged content for first-time users.
Advertisers can pay for sponsored tiles that will appear next to normal tiles, with a clear ‘promoted’ tag.
Mozilla content services vice president Darren Herman said that the sponsored tiles will be clearly labeled as such, while still leading to content we think users will enjoy.
"We are excited about Directory Tiles because it has inherent value to our users, it aligns with our vision of a better Internet through trust and transparency, and it helps Mozilla become more diversified and sustainable as a project," Herman said.
"While we have not worked out the entire product roadmap, we are beginning to talk to content partners about the opportunity, and plan to start showing Directory Tiles to new Firefox users as soon as we have the user experience right."
Directory Tiles will also incorporate a blend of sites from Mozilla’s own ecosystem, popular sites from a specific geographic location, and sponsored tiles from partners.
