Stories
LibreOffice Explains Why Avoiding Built-in AI Is a Key Feature for Users
- •The Document Foundation announced that LibreOffice will not include built-in generative AI features in its default installation for the foreseeable future.
- •Privacy is a primary reason for the decision, as LibreOffice operates offline to prevent sensitive documents from being uploaded to remote servers.
- •The organisation wants to prevent users from becoming dependent on specific cloud-based AI providers and large technology companies.
- •Users who still want artificial intelligence can install optional extensions that connect the office suite to AI models, including local options.
- •This approach contrasts sharply with mainstream software trends where AI assistants and chatbots are increasingly becoming mandatory.
Key Questions Answered
LibreOffice is avoiding built-in AI primarily due to privacy concerns and a desire to prevent user dependence on specific technology providers and cloud services. The Document Foundation emphasizes that keeping AI out of the core suite ensures confidential or sensitive documents do not need to be uploaded to remote servers.
Yes, LibreOffice allows users who want AI capabilities to install extensions that connect the office suite to AI models, including models that can run locally. This approach provides user choice instead of making artificial intelligence a mandatory part of the core software.
No, The Document Foundation's position is not a permanent rejection of artificial intelligence. The organization stated that it is not completely opposed to AI, but rather that current implementations do not yet meet its strict requirements for local data privacy and vendor independence.
