This Blog Post Was Not Written with AI By Bron Gondwana, CEO | October 2, 2025 --- Overview This blog post addresses the rising use of AI in writing and digital content creation. It stresses the unique and lasting nature of emails as an "electronic memory" compared to mutable web content and shares Fastmail's perspectives on AI tools in service and privacy contexts. --- Key Points AI Writing Trend AI-generated content is increasingly prevalent and often indistinguishable from human writing. AI writing tools extend beyond simple autocomplete, offering powerful content generation capabilities. Email as Electronic Memory Email functions as a permanent, immutable record unlike web pages that can be altered or rewritten. This immutability is valuable for verifying past communications and preserving history. The post references 1984’s “Ministry of Truth” as an analogy for how easy history revision might become with AI on the wider web. Adapting to Change The author's son refuses to use AI for university assignments, emphasizing learning and skill-building. Fastmail staff and customers are cautious about AI but recognize it as a tool. Adaptation and understanding of AI's role and limits are essential. Fastmail’s Stance on AI Use Customers are free to use AI with their Fastmail data as long as it complies with Terms of Service and doesn’t impact system performance. Fastmail aims to provide tools to empower customers in managing their email, calendar, and contacts. Staff and Privacy Principles Fastmail enforces strict rules on AI tool usage by staff to protect privacy: Compliance with all data protection and confidentiality policies. Human accountability: humans must review and understand AI-generated outputs before use. Awareness and mitigation of AI bias and hallucinations. Human override paths for decisions made by automated systems. Looking Forward Fastmail remains committed to core principles of user data ownership and stewardship. The company pledges to be responsible internet citizens, enabling users to control their data. --- Additional Resources Mentioned Email is your electronic memory (Fastmail blog) Fastmail publicly articulated values (2016) Fastmail Terms of Service and Privacy policies --- Summary The blog emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of personal communication in an age of AI-generated manipulation. It advocates responsible, privacy-conscious use of AI in email services and stresses human judgment's irreplaceable role. Fastmail's commitment is to empower users with control over their data while evolving with technological changes responsibly.