LibreOffice Declares AI-Free Default Installation, Prioritizing Privacy Over Trend

Privacy-Driven Decision to Exclude AI

The Document Foundation, the nonprofit steward of the LibreOffice open‑source word processor, announced in a recent blog entry that it will not embed artificial‑intelligence capabilities into the software for the foreseeable future. The statement follows the August release of LibreOffice’s latest version, which the foundation reiterated contains no generative AI features. The organization described this stance as a deliberate design choice aimed at guaranteeing that user documents never leave the local machine, thereby eliminating any need for network connectivity and preventing data from being uploaded to external servers.

In the blog, the foundation warned that “Any organisation handling confidential, legally privileged or personal data needs to know where that data goes, and the only assurance that survives an audit is that it does not leave the machine.” By keeping processing entirely on the device, LibreOffice ensures that users retain full control over their information, a principle that resonates with tens of millions of individuals and organizations that rely on the suite.

While the default installation will remain AI‑free, the project will continue to offer extensions that connect the editor to local AI models for users who wish to experiment with such tools. The foundation stressed that no current integration satisfies its strict criteria, which include keeping data on the device and avoiding dependence on a single AI provider.

Contrasting with the Broader AI Push in Software

The move runs counter to the prevailing industry momentum, where many developers are embedding AI features—often chat assistants and generative tools—regardless of user experience. Critics have labeled this trend “enshittification,” arguing that unnecessary bloat degrades software quality. In response, a growing number of developers are building features that block or strip out AI components altogether.

AI services typically require uploading user data to remote servers, where the user has little visibility into storage practices or retention policies. LibreOffice’s leadership clarified that the decision is not a definitive rejection of AI but an assessment of today’s technology. “Until then, there will be no AI of any kind in the default installation; extensions will be available for those who wish to integrate AI features, and we will closely monitor where the technology is actually heading,” the blog post stated.

As an open‑source alternative to dominant Silicon Valley platforms, LibreOffice positions itself as a sanctuary for users seeking autonomy over their digital tools. The project’s AI‑free default installation underscores a broader philosophical commitment: software should serve the user, not the other way around.