Data collection

There are different APIs and formats to collect data in Firefox, all suiting different use cases.

In general, we aim to submit data in a common format where possible. This has several advantages; from common code and tooling to sharing analysis know-how.

In cases where this isn’t possible and more flexibility is needed, we can submit custom pings or consider adding different data formats to existing pings.

Note: Every new data collection must go through a data collection review.

The current data collection possibilities include:

• Scalars allow recording of a single value (string, boolean, a number)

• Histograms can efficiently record multiple data points

• environment data records information about the system and settings a session occurs in

• Events can record richer data on individual occurrences of specific actions

• Measuring elapsed time

• Custom pings

• Use counters measure the usage of web platform features

• Experiment annotations

• Remote content uptake

• WebExtension API can be used in privileged webextensions

• Origin Telemetry Experimental prototype. For use by Content Blocking only for now.

• User Interactions allow annotating hang report pings with information on what the user was interacting with at the time

Browser Usage Telemetry

For more information, see Browser Usage Telemetry.

Version History

• Firefox 61: Stopped reporting Telemetry Log items (bug 1443614).