Private AI: keep the model and your work on your device

Local inference changes the data path

In a typical cloud chatbot, your text or files are transmitted to remote infrastructure for inference. With Aspen, the selected model runs on your own machine. Core local chat and coding therefore do not require Aspen to receive your conversation.

That does not mean every optional feature is magically offline. If you deliberately invoke a networked tool such as live web search, that tool must make a network request. The useful distinction is that the model itself can run locally and the user chooses when an online capability is invoked.

What stays local with Aspen

• The downloaded model weights live on your machine.
• Core inference runs on your hardware.
• Local conversations and files do not need a cloud inference service.
• Core chat and coding can continue with no internet connection after the model is present.

This makes local AI useful for drafts, internal documents, source code, notes and other material you would rather not send to a hosted model by default.

Private does not mean invulnerable

Your computer still needs normal security hygiene. Malware, an unlocked device, insecure backups, overly broad file permissions or a network tool you explicitly call can create exposure. Local inference reduces one important class of data sharing; it does not replace operating-system security, encryption, access controls or sensible credential handling.

Cloud AI vs private local AI

Cloud AI is convenient because the provider supplies enormous compute and can update models instantly. Local AI trades some of that centralized scale for control, offline availability and a smaller default data path. The right answer can be hybrid: keep ordinary or sensitive work local and choose cloud inference only when the task warrants it.

Start with a private local model

Install Aspen, choose a model that fits your computer, download it, and use local chat or coding without an account or subscription. Developers can also keep application inference local by pointing compatible tools at Aspen’s OpenAI-compatible API.

Frequently asked questions