Instinct is an AI assistant that can manage your email, calendar, shopping, and travel — but it needs deep access to your personal data?

Instinct is an AI assistant that can manage your email, calendar, shopping, and travel — but it needs deep access to your personal data.

Its terms of service give the company a permanent license to store, use, and even share your information, including for AI training?

Its terms of service give the company a permanent license to store, use, and even share your information, including for AI training.

Testers found it kept working after disconnection and could be tricked by phishing scams, leading some to delete their accounts.

Startups & Funding

TechCrunch AI August 25, 2026

⚡It can book flights and clean your inbox, but it may also read everything you type.

Deep Dive

A new AI assistant called Instinct can handle your email, calendar, shopping, and more — but testers are raising serious privacy

Key Points

Instinct is an AI assistant that can manage your email, calendar, shopping, and travel — but it needs deep access to your personal data.
Its terms of service give the company a permanent license to store, use, and even share your information, including for AI training.
Testers found it kept working after disconnection and could be tricked by phishing scams, leading some to delete their accounts.

This shows how AI convenience can secretly cost you your privacy — and why you should check what you're agreeing to.