I was monitoring my network traffic when I noticed that Librewolf was constantly connected to the IP 34.107.243.93.

A quick search made me find this post https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/questions/1364193 on the Mozilla Support Forum, according to which Firefox is constantly connected to the IP 34.107.221.82 to check for an internet connection, so I assumed that this connection had a similar purpose.

The problem I have with that is, that dig -x 34.107.243.93 returns 93.243.107.34.bc.googleusercontent.com. As I didn’t like the idea of my computer being connected to a google service whenever I use Librewolf, I tried deactivating the connection or at least changing the IP, but I couldn’t find a feature for this in neither the settings nor the about:config.

I tried blocking the IP with UFW, but the the connection still exists even after restarting the browser or rebooting. I have three questions:

A: Am I correct in the assumption that this connection exists to check for an internet connection or is something else going on here?

B: Is there a way to deactivate this “feature” or at least change the IP to that of a more privacy respecting party?

C: How can the connection persist after I blocked it in my firewall? I haven’t tried blocking it in my router yet, but I find this really creepy.

I’ve enjoyed using Librewolf for almost 3 years now but this is really bugging me.

I’m thanking you in advance any replies and advice.

EDIT: Accidentally wrote “browser” instead of router in question C.

      • Kairos
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        7 months ago

        I’m bad at using blockquotes when the comment ends in the thing I’m replying to.

        In my book that doesn’t make it much better though.