Proton has introduced Lumo, an advanced AI assistant prioritizing user privacy by ensuring no logging of conversations and refraining from using prompts for training purposes. This innovative tool underscores Proton’s commitment to safeguarding user data, building on the reputation of its established privacy-centric services, including Proton Mail, Proton VPN, and Proton Drive.
In June 2024, Proton transitioned to a non-profit structure, reinforcing its pledge to prioritize user privacy above profit motives. Lumo embodies this mission, offering a robust solution that provides assistance without compromising user data. Notably, it conceals potentially risky features within closed-source code, distinguishing itself from competitors.
Privacy-Focused Design
Lumo leverages open-source large language models (LLMs) and integrates Proton’s own open-source encryption framework. By making the complete source code publicly available, Proton promotes transparency and invites community scrutiny.
- No Online Searches: Lumo defaults to a mode that avoids online searches, ensuring user queries remain confidential.
- Data Retention Practices: All chats are deleted upon application closure, and no server-side storage of conversations exists. “Other AI companies retain your conversations on their servers, exposing sensitive information to potential data breaches,” Proton states in its announcement. In contrast, Lumo’s architecture guarantees that saved chats can only be decrypted on the user’s device.
User Interface and Functionality
The interface of Lumo mirrors familiar large language model services, facilitating ease of use. It supports file uploads, fully encrypted to protect sensitive data.
- Direct Uploads: For enhanced security, users can upload documents directly from Proton Drive, benefiting from robust encryption throughout the process.
Compliance with Data Protection Regulations
Located within Europe, Lumo’s infrastructure adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This ensures that no sensitive information is transmitted to regions with less stringent data protection laws, further affirming Proton’s dedication to privacy.
Availability and Tiered Access
Lumo is accessible via the web at lumo.proton.me and as a mobile application for both Android and iOS platforms. The service offers three distinct account tiers:
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Guest Tier: Users can access Lumo without a Proton account, though they face limitations on the number of questions allowed weekly and lack the ability to save conversations.
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Free Tier: Requires a Proton account and introduces features such as file uploads, an increased question limit, and basic chat history encryption.
- Plus Tier: Priced at $12.99 per month, this tier unlocks a full suite of capabilities, including unlimited chats, extended encrypted chat history, and multiple large file uploads.
At launch, Lumo supports interactions in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, with plans to incorporate additional languages over time, further enhancing its accessibility and utility for global users.
As organizations increasingly prioritize cybersecurity, tools like Lumo demonstrate a commitment to integrating privacy with functionality. By leveraging advanced technologies and adhering to stringent regulations, Proton not only meets current cybersecurity demands but also sets a high standard for future innovations in the AI landscape.