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.

  • @blackwidowtempoOP
    6•1 month ago

    Seems that way, as I have not given any website permission to send me notifications.

    It seems to be a Mozilla server though, which is just hosted by Google. In my book that doesn’t make it much better though.

    • @electricprism
      3•1 month ago

      By the same token some people seek to “de-Google” and then install a custom ROM on Google Pixel hardware, it’s like, my guy, any backdoor you are seeking to remove in the software most likely is already a vector in the hardware.

      Thanks for being so alert, there is no reason LW needs to talk to any website on the net without being asked to, least of all Google.

      • @blackwidowtempoOP
        1•1 month ago

        Then why was netstat showing an active conection to this server at all times?

        • Kairos
          2•1 month 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.