1M Users Ditch AI

LibreOffice 26.8 has broken download records, with over 1 million downloads in just one week. The software, a free alternative to Microsoft Office, was released on August 26th and has become its most popular update to date.

The surge in downloads can be attributed to the software's lack of generative AI features, a deliberate decision made by The Document Foundation (TDF), which manages LibreOffice. TDF has expressed concerns over the privacy implications of AI technology and has chosen not to include it in the software by default.

Instead, TDF has outlined a set of principles for including AI in LibreOffice, which includes user-controlled execution, no telemetry, and no dependency on a single vendor. The foundation recommends community plugins to integrate AI into the software for users who want to use AI features.

The Document Foundation's stance on AI was further clarified in a post titled 'Yes, no AI is now a feature', signed by Italo Vignoli. The post explains that TDF does not reject AI outright, but rather is waiting for the technology to meet its strict principles before including it in the software.

## Why it matters The decision by LibreOffice to exclude AI features by default is significant, as it highlights the growing concerns over privacy and user control in the tech industry. With many companies rushing to integrate AI into their products, LibreOffice's stance is a refreshing change for users who value their privacy and want to maintain control over their data.

The success of LibreOffice 26.8 is a testament to the fact that users are looking for alternatives to traditional office software that prioritize their privacy and security. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other companies respond to the growing demand for privacy-focused products.