Instinct AI assistant raises privacy concerns among testers

Instinct, an AI personal assistant in private testing, is drawing praise for its capabilities but raising privacy and security concerns among early users. Testers flagged broad terms of service granting perpetual data licenses, including screen captures and keyboard inputs, plus the ability to make binding agreements on users' behalf. Some reported data retention issues and unauthorized actions. The San Francisco startup, led by former Sierra researcher Noah Shinn, operates in stealth. Interest in personal AI has grown since OpenClaw's success, with investors reportedly backing Instinct.