Ecosia switches its AI to a European model provider for greater energy efficiency and privacy

Ecosia is now running its AI almost entirely on a European model provider instead of mainstream alternatives, aligning with its mission for independent European tech.

The shift uses a more energy-efficient model that requires far fewer resources than mainstream models. Queries are not stored by third parties, and EU privacy protections apply to data handling.

New features are coming soon, including file upload, improved web sourcing, and voice to text. Additional features in the pipeline include memory and different mode options such as a 'learning' mode that breaks down topics step by step.

Ecosia's AI remains 100% optional and not-for-profit — users can turn off Overviews anytime, and 100% of profits go to climate initiatives.