Proton has launched a substantial upgrade to its AI assistant, Lumo, focusing on both enhanced performance and privacy safeguards. With increased concerns around data collection in digital personal assistants, users often seek services that deliver utility without compromising privacy. The focus on keeping user conversations secure and confidential signals Proton’s ongoing commitment to distinguishing itself from larger tech entities that profit from data-driven models.
Initial public information about Lumo centered on basic privacy features and modest AI capabilities compared to more established tools like Google Assistant and Microsoft’s Copilot. Recent broad updates have put Lumo closer in technical scope to these mainstream alternatives while reinforcing privacy, a quality previously highlighted but less transparently enforced. The decision to open source parts of the app’s code goes beyond historic company practice and marks a notable step in transparency about its privacy mechanisms, offering more assurance to cautious users compared to other brands’ more opaque approaches.
Lumo 1.1 Brings Faster, Smarter Capabilities
The updated Lumo version 1.1 introduces improvements in speed and the ability to deliver more detailed, current information. According to Proton, the assistant’s problem-solving proficiency has increased by 200%, and contextual understanding is up by 170%. Specific attention has also been given to users who code, resulting in a 40% uptick in accurate code generation.
How Does Proton Address User Data Concerns?
Proton underscores its commitment to privacy by implementing end-to-end encryption for all user interactions with Lumo. Unlike industry competitors, Lumo’s conversations are neither saved nor utilized for model training. The company also provides public access to its mobile apps’ source code to reinforce its privacy assurance.
“Your conversations are strictly private — not even Proton can access them,”
states the company.
“We invite everyone to review our code to validate our privacy claims.”
What Model Powers Proton’s Business with Lumo Plus?
While Lumo offers privacy-focused basic services, users are incentivized to upgrade to Lumo Plus for enhanced performance and unlimited access. This business strategy sets Proton apart from rivals that monetize through advertising or selling user data, opting for a transparent subscription-based model instead. The approach targets individuals willing to invest in privacy rather than exchange personal data for “free” AI services.
Many AI platforms have faced scrutiny over data handling and the potential for user information to be used in model retraining or marketing. By making privacy features more transparent and available for third-party review, Proton addresses long-standing apprehensions about digital assistants, a concern that has prompted policy debates and regulatory calls globally. Consumers seeking robust privacy in digital tools may view this development as an indication that user-focused alternatives remain viable. Subscription models like Lumo Plus, though requiring payment, signify a trade-off for those seeking digital agency over convenience; as the sector evolves, more providers could consider open-source transparency when handling user data.
