LibreOffice Makes No AI a Feature to Protect User Data
LibreOffice will keep generative AI out of its default suite, protecting offline use and local data while allowing optional extensions for local AI models.
Summary
As of October 6, 2026, The Document Foundation says it will not add AI to the open source LibreOffice suite for the foreseeable future. The stance follows its latest release in late August, when the nonprofit emphasized that LibreOffice has no generative AI features. Its deliberate design keeps documents from being uploaded for processing, preserves full offline functionality and gives tens of millions of users and organizations control over their data, especially confidential, legally privileged or personal information requiring audit assurance that it remains on the machine.
Users may install extensions connecting LibreOffice to local AI models, but no current integration satisfies all the foundation’s requirements, including on-device data handling and avoiding dependence on one provider. The policy is an assessment of current technology, not a permanent rejection of AI. LibreOffice will monitor the sector while keeping every form of AI outside the default installation, distinguishing itself from software vendors that bundle chatbots and assistants into their products.
Positives
- Tens of millions of LibreOffice users retain control over documents that remain on their devices.
- Every LibreOffice function remains available without a network connection.
- Extensions let users connect LibreOffice to local AI models without placing AI in the default installation.
- Confidential, legally privileged and personal data can remain on the machine, supporting stronger audit assurances.
- The Document Foundation will reconsider integration if AI technology eventually meets its privacy and provider independence requirements.
Risks & concerns
- No current AI integration meets every LibreOffice requirement for on-device data handling and independence from a single provider.
- Users seeking built-in AI assistance will not receive it in LibreOffice for the foreseeable future.
- Many AI tools require remote processing, leaving users with limited control over where data is stored or for how long.
- Optional AI functionality requires users to find and install extensions rather than access native features.