Deleting Widevine Content Decryption Module from Firefox

[skuddle]

One of my Windows 10 computers that's running Firefox 57.0.4 has recently enabled a "Widevine Content Decryption Module" plugin from Google. I did not install this and I cannot find a way to uninstall or delete it, but I did "disable" it. I have three questions:

1. How can Firefox (without my knowledge or consent) download, install, and enable this, or any other plugin?

2. How can I permanently delete this plugin from my computer?

3. How can I prevent Firefox from downloading, installing, and enabling other plugins or extensions without my knowledge and consent?

Thank you for your help.

[trolly]

I guess it comes packed with firefox and it's only usable with firefox.

[therube]

(I get confused about all this, but...)

It might be the "EME-free" version is the one you want.
/firefox/releases/58.0/win64-EME-free/en-US/

---

Or you could try:
Put the following "distribution.ini" file into your FF_Program_Dir/distribution/ directory.
(You actually have to create the /distribution/ directory.)

distribution.ini:

Code: Select all

# Partner Distribution Configuration File
# Author: Mozilla
# Date: 2015-03-27

[Global]
id=mozilla-EMEfree
version=1.0
about=Mozilla Firefox EME-free

[Preferences]
media.eme.enabled=false
app.partner.mozilla-EMEfree="mozilla-EMEfree"

(Not sure offhand how that affects updates? Like if you would get a "regular" update or an EME-free update?)

---

Oh, also not sure offhand if there are some manual deletions of "crud" that might be necessary? Thinking so.

Best bet might be to (backup), uninstall existing, then install the EME-free version.

[therube]

1. Because it can.
And its expected that it does do that.
That it goes out "after the fact" & downloads, installs this.
Well, expected by FF, in any case.
Mozilla generally doesn't expect a user to particularly even be aware that that has occurred.
IOW, its supposed to be transparent to a user.
(FF does it this way because its not something that can be included in their installer itself.)
(Basically like how Safebrowing goes out & downloads its database files from Google [also].)

[Grumpus]

One of the things you can do is remove the new group of extensions which come enabled with Firefox as default.
This can be complicated depending on your system and your access level as to location of the .xpi files.
You'd then ahve to edit about:config to make sure these things were disabled.
Un-checking /Options/General/DRM (Digital Rights management should disable Widevines but you may have already done enough in /Tools/Add-ons/Plugins.
You can stop automatic updates of extensions and plugins by making sure /Tools /Addons is set to not automatically update (click on the gear next to the search)
You ca also go into /options/Privacy and security - make sure you've checked - Warn you when websites try to install add-ons.
Make sure you check the adjoining "Exceptions" and make sure there's no sites listed. Usually it will be Mozilla sites.
This link Remove add-on or theme has a manual suggestion as well as standard.

[mightyglydd]

Oh dear...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urglg3WimHA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFNO2sSW-mU

[therube]

LOL.

[Grumpus]

Proper use of tinfoil is necessary when so many apply it for a myriad of uses.
A query into the application of tinfoil needs only the casual amount of kitchen spray so the cookies don't stick.
This was a cooking question, wasn't it?

[therube]

You'd then ahve to edit about:config to make sure these things were disabled.

Do you have to?
Or rather, do they store their settings in about:config?
Extension Preferences Are Not Enumerated in about:config

[Grumpus]

There's relative items with both boolean and string settings. In a number of cases they are set tot true or are urls.
Since extensions like Shield are used for experiments you can also search for that as well.
Examples: app.shield.optoutstudies.enabled; extensions.shield-recipe-client.enabled; extensions.pocket.enabled; extensions.formautofill.creditCards.available; extensions.formautofill.creditCards.enabled; extensions.formautofill.creditCards.used; browser.library.activity-stream.enabled

[alexbach]

Hi everyone, so sorry to jump in between.

Actually, I installed the latest version of Firefox on my MacBook Pro. However, it came with the similar "widevine content decryption module" that is not of any use to me. Also, I couldn't be able to remove it.

Can anyone help me out?

P.S. I read the whole thread and couldn't find any possible solution.