Mozilla blocks UAE bid to become an internet security guardian after hacking reports

FILE PHOTO: A computer keyboard lit by a displayed cyber code is seen in this illustration picture taken on March 1, 2017. REUTERS/Kacper Pempel

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Firefox browser maker Mozilla is blocking the United Arab Emirates' government from serving as one of its internet security gatekeepers, citing Reuters reports on a UAE cyber espionage programme.

Mozilla said in a statement on Tuesday it was rejecting the UAE's bid to become a globally recognised internet security watchdog, empowered to certify the safety of websites for Firefox users.