Mozilla said they are testing a new feature to allow users to browse the internet more privately. Mozilla announced a pilot test of what they call 'Firefox Private Network' that claims to offer more secure and encrypted access to websites. However, Mozilla doesn't publicly acknowledge it as a VPN service. Short for a virtual private network, VPN service routes your traffic through a different IP address that may not necessarily be located in the same country as you.

VPN services are primarily used to hide the original identity, including the IP or location of someone browsing the internet. In most cases, VPN services are also used to bypass geographical restrictions on websites and apps. But where does the Firefox Private Network come into the picture? We take a look.

Firefox Private Network

Addressing a growing demand for privacy features, Mozilla is adding Firefox Private Network to help prevent your personal information from getting exposed on dark sides of the internet.

"There are many ways that your personal information and data are exposed: online threats are everywhere, whether it’s through phishing emails or data breaches. You may often find yourself taking advantage of the free WiFi at the doctor’s office, airport or a cafe," said Marissa Wood, vice president of product at Mozilla said in a blog post. "Using the Firefox Private Network helps protect you from hackers lurking in plain sight on public connections."

Firefox privacy feature blocks third-party tracking cookies by default

Key features of Firefox Private Network

Some of the features of Firefox Private Network are as follows: Public Wi-Fi protection and hide internal IP addresses. You can turn it on when you are connected to public Wi-Fi access points. It also protects internal IP addresses, making it harder to track you.

How to enable Firefox Private Network

You can visit https://private-network.firefox.com/. However, the extension is currently available to US desktop users only. Right now, the Firefox Private Network is open in beta. Mozilla will likely expand the Firefox Private Network to other platforms, as well as users in more countries.