The Document Foundation, the nonprofit behind the open source document editor LibreOffice, announced that it will not add artificial intelligence features to its software for the foreseeable future. The decision reinforces a "deliberate design position" aimed at ensuring user data remains on the local device.
What Happened
In a blog post released this week, the foundation clarified its stance following the release of the latest LibreOffice version in late August, which reiterated that the software "contains no generative AI features." The organization stated that while it does not reject AI out of hand, current integrations do not meet its requirements for privacy and independence. Specifically, the foundation noted that existing AI tools often require uploading user data to remote servers, leaving users without control over data storage duration or location.
LibreOffice emphasized that no part of its software should require a network connection to function. "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," the organization said in the post. The foundation added that it is monitoring the technology's development but maintains that there is currently "no integration" that ensures data stays on the device while avoiding reliance on a single AI provider.
Why It Matters
The move distinguishes LibreOffice from many commercial software vendors that have increasingly embedded AI assistants and chatbots into their products. The article notes that this trend, described as the "enshittification" of modern software due to bloated features, has prompted some developers to create tools that block or remove AI capabilities entirely. By positioning "no AI" as a core feature, LibreOffice appeals to users who prioritize data sovereignty and offline functionality.
However, the foundation left room for user choice. Those who wish to utilize AI can install software extensions that connect the document editor to local AI models. The organization described its decision not as a "definitive rejection" or a "judgement on the value of the sector," but rather an assessment of the current state of available technology. LibreOffice remains one of several open source alternatives used by tens of millions of people and organizations seeking to avoid dependence on major tech giants.
The Bottom Line
LibreOffice will continue to ship without built-in generative AI features in its default installation. The Document Foundation asserts that current AI integrations fail to meet its strict privacy and offline-capability standards, though it permits third-party extensions for users who prefer local AI models.