Signal Founder Launches ChatGPT Alternative That Protects Privacy
Moxie Marlinspike, the creator of ultra-secure messaging app Signal, just launched Confer, an AI assistant that can't spy on your conversations or sell your data to advertisers. It's proof that artificial intelligence doesn't have to come at the cost of your privacy.
Imagine having a digital assistant that actually keeps your secrets.
That's exactly what Moxie Marlinspike, co-founder of the encrypted messaging app Signal, unveiled in December with Confer. While ChatGPT and similar AI chatbots retain your conversations and could potentially use them for training or advertising, Confer is built so the company running it literally can't access what you type.
The timing couldn't be better. OpenAI recently started testing ads in ChatGPT, raising concerns about how our intimate AI conversations might be monetized. People share deeply personal thoughts with AI assistants, from health worries to relationship troubles, creating a goldmine of sensitive data.
"It's a form of technology that actively invites confession," Marlinspike explains. "When you combine that with advertising, it's like someone paying your therapist to convince you to buy something."
Confer uses multiple security layers to ensure true privacy. Messages encrypt through the WebAuthn passkey system before reaching the server. All AI processing happens inside a Trusted Execution Environment, a secure digital vault that prevents anyone, including Confer's team, from peeking at your data.
The system runs on open-source models, following the same transparency philosophy that made Signal the go-to messaging app for privacy advocates worldwide. Remote verification constantly checks that nothing has been compromised.
Yes, it's more complex than standard AI setups. And yes, it costs more. At $35 monthly for unlimited access, Confer is pricier than ChatGPT Plus. The free version limits users to 20 messages daily and five active chats.
Why This Inspires
Confer proves we don't have to choose between cutting-edge technology and personal privacy. For years, tech companies have insisted that data collection is necessary to deliver great services. Marlinspike is calling that bluff.
His track record speaks volumes. Signal grew from a niche privacy tool to a mainstream app used by everyone from journalists to everyday people who simply value their privacy. Now he's applying that same principled approach to AI.
The launch shows that building ethical technology isn't just possible—it can compete with the giants.
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Based on reporting by TechCrunch
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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