# Private AI chat: what is actually private in 2026

Private AI means different things: local models, no-log hosted chats, browser-only history. What each protects, what it does not, and how Unrestricted AI’s Private chat works.

## Short answer

The only fully private AI is a **local model** (prompts never leave your machine). Hosted services can only reduce what they keep. In **Unrestricted AI**, Private chat keeps messages in your browser only, never in our conversation database; the model provider still processes the text, and we keep account-linked usage metadata (checked 9 Nov 2026).




## Four kinds of "private"





| Kind | Example | Protects against | Does not protect against |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Local model | Ollama, LM Studio | Everyone else seeing prompts | Your own device being compromised |
| Browser-only history | Unrestricted AI Private chat | Chats sitting in a company database | Provider processing; usage metadata |
| No-log hosted chat | Venice private mode, notrack.ai (their claims) | Long-term storage, if true | You cannot audit it |
| Regular chat | ChatGPT default | Nothing beyond the policy | Training and retention per policy |

## How to check any private AI claim



- Read where history is stored: device, account, or both.
- Check whether the model provider (a third party) receives your text.
- Look for retention periods and training opt-outs in the privacy policy.
- Prefer claims you can verify (local, open-source clients) over promises.


## FAQ

**Is Unrestricted AI anonymous?**

No. You need an account for the free tier, and providers process your text. Private chat keeps the conversation history in your browser only.

**Can staff read my saved chats?**

Saved chats are stored in our database so you can reopen them on any device; no admin interface shows them. Private chat never reaches that database. See the [privacy policy](/privacy).

**Do I need to be 18?**

Yes. Our [terms](/terms) require users to be at least 18.

## Sources

- [Unrestricted AI privacy policy](https://tryunrestrictedai.com/privacy)
- [Venice privacy (checked 9 Nov 2026)](https://venice.ai/privacy)
- [TrustBurn: notrack.ai reviews (third-party)](https://trustburn.com/reviews/notrack-ai)
- [Ollama](https://ollama.com)

Canonical: https://tryunrestrictedai.com/private-ai