Vivaldi Browser Opposes AI Agents in Web Browsing

The developers of the Vivaldi browser have published a statement opposing the use of AI agents that scour the internet on behalf of users. This positions Vivaldi against the growing trend among AI developers to integrate such agents into browsers.

The Rise of AI Agents and Their Drawbacks

AI assistants are increasingly embedded in browsers, summarizing pages and navigating sites for users. However, Vivaldi argues this trend turns active exploration into passive spectatorship, filtering content and undermining user autonomy. A recent study by PewResearch found users click traditional search results half as often when AI summaries are present, potentially harming publishers and web diversity.

Vivaldi's Commitment to Human-Centric Browsing

In a statement titled Keep Browsing Human, Vivaldi CEO Jon von Tetzchner emphasized:

"We're taking a stand, choosing humans over hype, and we will not turn the joy of exploring into inactive spectatorship."

Vivaldi vows to avoid integrating LLM-based chatbots, summarization tools, or suggestion engines until more reliable methods emerge. The company aims to remain a haven for curious users, prioritizing privacy and autonomy over AI-driven convenience.

Industry Trends and Concerns

• Google is integrating Gemini into Chrome to summarize pages and navigate sites.
• Microsoft promotes Edge as an AI browser with features anticipating user actions.
• Publishers warn of traffic losses due to AI overviews, as highlighted in a Reuters report.

The Future of Browsing

Vivaldi's stance reflects broader debates about who controls information access and the monetization of user attention. The company pledges to focus on user control and privacy, resisting the shift toward AI-mediated browsing.

"We're fighting for a better web," Vivaldi asserts, advocating for a future where human curiosity drives online exploration.