If you’re worried about privacy, the rise of AI personal assistants can feel unsettling. These tools often require you to share personal information. Major companies, like those behind AI chatbots, typically collect this data, which raises concerns about its use. OpenAI, for example, is testing advertising. This trend reflects the same data practices as social media giants like Facebook and Google.
In response to these concerns, Moxie Marlinspike, co-founder of Signal, launched a new project in December called Confer. Confer aims to be a privacy-focused alternative to AI assistants. It operates like ChatGPT or Claude but has measures in place to prevent data collection. With an open-source approach, it ensures that your conversations aren’t used for ads or training models.
Marlinspike emphasizes the need for privacy in such technology. “It’s a form of technology that actively invites confession,” he notes. “Chat interfaces like ChatGPT know more about people than any other technology before. When you combine that with advertising, it’s like someone paying your therapist to convince you to buy something.”
To maintain user privacy, Confer uses various security systems. For instance, it encrypts messages using the WebAuthn passkey system. This works best on mobile devices or Macs but can be used on other platforms with a password manager. On the server side, the processing occurs in a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) to ensure safety and integrity.
The tech behind Confer is complex, but it delivers on its promise: sensitive conversations remain private. Users don’t have to worry that their personal information will slip through the cracks.
Confer has a free tier that allows 20 messages a day and five active chats. A paid plan at $35 a month offers unlimited access and advanced features—though it’s a pricier option compared to ChatGPT’s Plus plan. Still, for many, privacy is worth the cost.
Interestingly, public reactions to privacy-focused technologies are growing. Surveys show that many people are becoming more cautious about how their data is handled. According to a recent study, 86% of Americans are concerned about data privacy. This heightened awareness reflects a societal shift toward valuing personal information and demanding better protections.
As we continue to rely on AI, it’s crucial to consider how our data is used and protected. Services like Confer may pave the way for a safer digital space where users feel secure sharing information.
For more on data privacy and technological developments, you can check out reports from trusted sources like Pew Research.
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