TechCrunch Industry News A privacy-conscious alternative to ChatGPT; plus Oshen built the first ocean robot to collect data in a Cat 5 hurricane
Jan 19, 2026
Discover a privacy-focused alternative to popular AI chatbots that safeguards user conversations from data training and advertising. Learn about the innovative C-Star robots from Oshen, designed to autonomously collect ocean data in extreme conditions, including the powerful Category 5 hurricanes. The app offers various pricing tiers, emphasizing user privacy while balancing functionality. Plus, hear the inspiring story of a founder's journey from aerospace to ocean robotics. Dive into the fascinating intersection of technology and environmental science!
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Weigh Privacy Versus Cost
- Expect trade-offs: Confer limits the free tier to 20 messages/day and five active chats to protect privacy.
- Pay $35/month for unlimited access, advanced models, and personalization if you need extended private usage.
Privacy-First Chatbot Architecture
- Confer combines WebAuth/PASCII encryption and trusted execution environments to keep conversations private from model owners.
- The service runs open-weight models inside remote-attested enclaves so user data isn't used for training or ads.
From Microtransat Failure To A Startup
- Laura Lavarack shifted from aerospace ambitions after failing at the Microtransat Challenge and spotting a data gap in ocean conditions.
- That experience led her to found Ocean with Kieran Dowds to build robots that collect ocean data autonomously.