The Document Foundation has confirmed that LibreOffice will not include artificial intelligence features in its default software installation. The nonprofit organization behind the popular open source document editor stated that this decision is a deliberate design choice intended to protect user data and maintain full local control over files.
This stance comes weeks after the release of the latest version of the software in late August. The organization reiterated in a blog post that the application contains no generative AI capabilities. While the group does not reject the technology entirely, it has drawn a clear line for the foreseeable future regarding how these tools are integrated into its flagship product.
LibreOffice no AI policy explained
The decision addresses growing concerns about data security in modern office suites. Many commercial document editors now embed AI assistants that require uploading user content to remote servers for processing. This practice raises significant privacy issues for organizations handling confidential, legally privileged, or personal data.
According to the foundation, the only assurance that survives a strict audit is that data never leaves the user’s machine. LibreOffice is designed to function without a network connection, ensuring that documents remain on the local device. This architecture prevents third-party providers from accessing, storing, or analyzing user content.
The organization emphasized that its current criteria for including AI are not met by existing solutions. They require that any integrated tool must keep data on the device and avoid reliance on a single AI provider. The foundation stated that there is currently no integration that satisfies all these requirements.
Extensions allow optional AI use
Users who wish to use artificial intelligence can still do so by installing software extensions. These add-ons connect the document editor to local AI models running on the user’s hardware. This approach allows for AI functionality without compromising the core privacy guarantees of the default installation.
The foundation noted that this is an assessment of the technology as it exists today, rather than a permanent judgment on the value of the AI sector. They plan to closely monitor developments in the field. If future tools meet their strict standards for data sovereignty and independence, the policy could change.
Until then, the default installation will remain free of any AI features. This position distinguishes LibreOffice from many competitors that are rapidly adding chatbots and generative tools to their platforms. The move aligns with a broader trend of users seeking alternatives to software that prioritizes feature density over user control and privacy.
Source: TechCrunch
