WeTransfer Backtracks on AI File Training Policy Amid User Backlash
14 Sources
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WeTransfer Backtracks on AI File Training After Backlash: What You Need to Know
The company has updated changes in its policies after some users objected to new terms. WeTransfer, the service that allows users to send large files to others, is explaining itself to users and updating its terms of service after a backlash related to training AI models. The company published a
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WeTransfer: We Won't Use Your Files to Train AI
WeTransfer has clarified that it won't use the files you share to train AI models. In the last day, the company has seen significant backlash after users noticed new terms said it would be able to train AI models on any files shared directly with WeTransfer. The company acted quickly to update its
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WeTransfer ToS adding 'machine learning' caused freakout
WeTransfer added the magic words "machine learning" to its ToS and users reacted predictably Analysis WeTransfer this week denied claims it uses files uploaded to its ubiquitous cloud storage service to train AI, and rolled back changes it had introduced to its Terms of Service after they deeply
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WeTransfer says files not used to train AI after backlash
The firm has now updated its terms, saying it has "made the language easier to understand" to avoid confusion. WeTransfer said the clause was initially added to "include the possibility of using AI to improve content moderation" and to identify harmful content. It appears to have been changed in
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How WeTransfer reignited fears about training AI on user data
The controversy underscores growing trust issues between users and tech firms over AI Dutch file-sharing service WeTransfer is under fire after users spotted sweeping updates to its terms of service that appeared to let the company train AI models on their uploaded files. The company has now
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WeTransfer issues flurry of promises that it's not using your data to train AI models after its new terms of service aroused suspicion
The company moved fast to assure users it does not use uploaded content for AI training File-sharing platform WeTransfer spent a frantic day reassuring users that it has no intention of using any uploaded files to train AI models, after an update to its terms of service suggested that anything
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WeTransfer clarifies it won't use your files to train AI amid user backlash
WeTransfer says it will not use your data to train AI models. Credit: Thiago Prudencio / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images WeTransfer was forced to respond this week after changes to its terms of service (TOS) triggered major backlash from users who believed the new language granted the
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WeTransfer Changes Policy After Concern It Could Train AI on User's Photos
WeTransfer, a popular file-sharing platform used by photographers, has been forced into a climbdown after it faced a large backlash for changing its terms and conditions in a way that might allow the company to use customers' work to train AI models. The controversy began after a recent update to
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WeTransfer says user content will not be used to train AI after backlash
Firm revises new terms of service that had suggested uploaded files could be used to 'improve machine learning models' The popular filesharing service WeTransfer has said user content will not be used to train artificial intelligence after a change in its service terms had triggered a public
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WeTransfer backlash highlights need for smarter AI practices
A recent update to WeTransfer's terms of service caused consternation after some of its customers feared that it meant content from files uploaded to the popular file-sharing service would automatically be used to train AI models. But the Netherlands-based company insisted on Tuesday that this is
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Is WeTransfer Using Your Content to Train Its AI?
Perhaps the biggest user privacy issue of our time has to do, of course, with AI. AI models have an insatiable appetite for data, as the only way to improve them is to feed them new, high-quality information. As such, companies that develop these models turn to the most convenient pool of data they
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Something for the weekend - WeTransfer sends itself into a nosedive, with a public nudge from AI
Despite the technology's promise, there are many bleak aspects of the AI age. A 'grimmest hits' of these might include Spotify pushing fake AI acts to listeners while CEO Daniel Ek leads a $600 million investment round in German AI weapons company, Helsing. (No jokes about vampires, please.) Or
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WeTransfer Says it Won't Use Your Files to Train AI Models After Criticism
WeTransfer says that handling of content remains unchanged on the platform WeTransfer has issued a clarification that it will not use files uploaded by users to train artificial intelligence models, after users criticised the company's changes to its terms of service. Earlier this month, the file
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WeTransfer Clarifies Terms Of Service Amid AI Training Backlash
Amid backlash about using customer files to train AI models, file-sharing service WeTransfer has recently amended its terms and conditions to reflect that users continue to retain ownership of their content. The backlash came after the company originally updated its terms and conditions on July 1
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WeTransfer, a popular file-sharing service, faced significant user backlash after updating its terms of service with language that appeared to allow AI training on user files. The company has since clarified its stance and revised its policy.
WeTransfer's Controversial Terms of Service Update
WeTransfer, a popular file-sharing service, found itself at the center of controversy after updating its terms of service with language that appeared to allow AI training on user files. The company has since clarified its stance and revised its policy, but the incident has reignited concerns about data privacy and AI training practices in the tech industry
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.The Controversial Clause
The initial update to WeTransfer's terms of service, set to take effect on August 8, granted the company a "perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable license" to use user content for various purposes, including "improving performance of machine learning models that enhance our content moderation process"
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. This broad language sparked immediate concern among users, particularly those in creative industries who regularly use the service to transfer sensitive or copyrighted material.
Source: MediaNama
User Backlash and Company Response
The backlash was swift and intense, with users expressing their concerns on social media platforms. Political correspondent Ava Santina wrote on X, "Time to stop using WeTransfer who from 8th August have decided they'll own anything you transfer to power AI"
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.In response to the outcry, WeTransfer quickly issued clarifications and updated its terms. The company stated, "We don't use machine learning or any form of AI to process content shared via WeTransfer, nor do we sell content or data to any third parties"
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. WeTransfer explained that the original change was intended to cover the possibility of using AI for content moderation in the future, but this feature had not been built or implemented3
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Revised Terms and Ongoing Concerns
Source: Gadgets 360
WeTransfer has since removed all mentions of machine learning from its terms of service. The updated clause now reads, "You hereby grant us a royalty-free license to use your Content for the purposes of operating, developing, and improving the Service, all in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy"
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.Despite these changes, some users remain skeptical. The incident has tapped into wider frustrations around copyright and consent in the AI age, highlighting growing trust issues between users and tech companies
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.Broader Implications for the Tech Industry
Source: The Register
WeTransfer's experience is not unique in the tech industry. Companies like Adobe, Zoom, Slack, and Dropbox have faced similar backlash over AI-related policies
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. These incidents underscore the importance of clear communication and transparency when it comes to data usage and AI implementation.Legal expert Neil Brown of decoded.legal explains that companies often update their terms of service to ensure they have the necessary permissions for new features or technologies. However, he emphasizes the importance of matching user expectations with company intentions to avoid potential legal issues
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