LibreOffice says ‘no AI’ is now a software feature

Your documents will not be uploaded to a server for AI processing when using LibreOffice.

LibreOffice, the open-source document editor, will not integrate artificial intelligence features into its core software for the foreseeable future. The Document Foundation, its developer, stated this is a deliberate design choice to ensure user documents are not uploaded to servers for processing and that the software functions entirely offline. This decision prioritizes user data control and privacy, particularly for organizations handling sensitive information. While LibreOffice does not reject AI outright, it has not found any integrations that meet its criteria for keeping data on-device and avoiding reliance on single AI providers. Users can still opt to integrate AI through extensions that connect to local AI models.

LibreOffice's stance signals a growing segment of users and developers prioritizing data privacy and local processing over the pervasive integration of cloud-based AI. This deliberate exclusion of generative AI in a widely used office suite highlights a tension between the industry's push for AI-driven features and user demand for control over their sensitive information. The decision may influence other open-source projects and enterprise software providers to reconsider their AI integration strategies, potentially carving out a niche for privacy-focused alternatives.

The move by LibreOffice could empower users to maintain agency over their data in an era where AI features are increasingly bundled into software, often without explicit consent or understanding of data handling. It also presents an opportunity for developers of local AI models and extensions to gain traction, as LibreOffice will continue to monitor the technology's trajectory. This approach contrasts with competitors who are rapidly embedding AI, potentially leading to a bifurcated market where users can choose between feature-rich but data-intensive AI applications and more controlled, privacy-preserving alternatives.