Which AI tool is right for me?
When choosing a generative AI tool, it’s important to consider questions such as: does the tool align with my AI policy (opens in new tab)? What are my ambitions regarding sustainability and privacy? How important is it that my data is not used to train AI models? And do I want my data to be stored on European servers?
Additionally: how high does the quality of the output from an AI tool need to be? Most mainstream AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot) often deliver higher quality than more responsible AI tools. Are you willing to compromise slightly on quality for more responsible tools?
Three more responsible generative AI tools
Tool | Sustainable servers | European data storage | Data not used for training | Open-source language models |
Mistral | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
GreenPT | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (from others) |
Lumo | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (from others) |
Mistral: European data and digital sovereignty
A key difference between mainstream AI tools and European alternatives lies in data storage. The French company Mistral (opens in new tab) develops open-source language models within European data and privacy regulations. Mistral’s Le Chat (opens in new tab) works similarly to ChatGPT or Gemini. For cultural institutions, this means more control over where data is stored and how it is used.
The paid version of Microsoft’s Copilot also offers data storage on European servers.
GreenPT: Sustainability and privacy first
AI is energy-intensive. GreenPT (opens in new tab) is a Dutch initiative that makes generative AI available via servers powered by sustainable energy. GreenPT uses open-source models from other providers and fine-tunes them for specific tasks, such as writing and reasoning. The approach complies with European privacy legislation, and the data remains within Europe.
Lumo: Privacy as a core value
Those who know Proton (opens in new tab) for its encrypted email and VPN services are aware that this company values privacy as a core principle. The recently launched AI assistant Lumo (opens in new tab) operates on the same principle. Lumo does not collect data, does not train models with user input, and uses open-source language models on European servers.
Do you know of any other responsible AI tools? Let us know via the DEN Community (opens in new tab) or by email (opens in new tab)!
Other responsible AI initiatives
In addition to these three responsible AI tools, there are more interesting developments contributing to the responsible use of AI. We will continue to follow the progress of these initiatives so you don’t have to.
- Hugging Face (opens in new tab): a platform that provides open-source AI tools and large language models. This allows you to experiment freely while ensuring your data is safe. Soon, we’ll publish an article on how to get started with this!
- LibreChat (opens in new tab): on this open-source platform, you can work in all AI tools you are subscribed to in one place. No more switching between browsers.
- GPT-NL (opens in new tab): a Dutch initiative supported by the government and knowledge institutions SURF and TNO, working on its own language model. The goal: an open, accessible, and responsible infrastructure for the Dutch language and context. The launch is expected in early 2026.
- EuroLLM (opens in new tab) and OpenEuroLLM (opens in new tab): a collaboration of European universities and companies to develop language models that can form the basis for new European AI tools. Based on European values: open, diverse, and compliant with European legislation.
The first more responsible generative AI tools are now available, and more are expected to follow. What choice will your organization make?
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