WeTransfer Clarifies: User Files Excluded from AI Model Training
WeTransfer has responded to user concerns regarding its recent changes to the terms of service, assuring that it will not utilize uploaded files to train artificial intelligence models. The clarification comes after backlash from users, particularly content creators, who were alarmed by the original terms that suggested the company could use their files for various purposes without compensation. Following the criticism, WeTransfer has revised its terms, removing any references to machine learning and content commercialization.
Clarification on Terms of Service Changes
In a blog post released on Tuesday, WeTransfer sought to clarify its updated terms of service, which are set to take effect on August 8. The initial version of section 6.3 indicated that users granted WeTransfer a “perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable license” for the operation and development of its file transfer service. This raised concerns among users, as it implied that the company could reproduce, distribute, and modify user-uploaded content without compensating the original creators.
The backlash from users, particularly those in creative professions, prompted WeTransfer to address these concerns directly. In its revised terms, the company emphasized that it does not claim ownership of user content. Section 6.2 clearly states that all rights, including intellectual property rights, remain with the content creators and their licensors. This clarification aims to reassure users that their creative works are protected and will not be exploited by the platform.
User Backlash and Company Response
The initial changes to WeTransfer’s terms sparked significant backlash from users, many of whom expressed their dissatisfaction on social media. Content creators voiced their concerns about the potential for the company to use their work for commercial purposes, including training AI models. One user highlighted the issue by stating, “You’re not a free service; I pay you to shift my big artwork files. I don’t pay you to have the right to use them to train AI or print, sell, and distribute my artwork.”
In response to this criticism, WeTransfer has made substantial revisions to its terms. The company removed any mention of commercializing user content and clarified that it will not modify or reuse user files without compensating the creators. This move aims to rebuild trust with its user base and ensure that content creators feel secure in using the platform for their file transfer needs.
Ongoing Concerns About User Data Access
While WeTransfer has taken steps to address user concerns, the situation highlights a broader issue regarding how online platforms handle user data. The rapid changes to terms of service can often lead to misunderstandings about user rights and data usage. Companies like Dropbox and Adobe have also faced scrutiny in recent years for similar issues, prompting them to issue clarifications regarding their access to user content.
WeTransfer has stated that the handling of content will remain unchanged, even with the new terms coming into effect. The company clarified that the previous mention of machine learning was related to the potential for improving content moderation, a feature that is not currently implemented. This situation serves as a reminder for users to remain vigilant about the terms of service of the platforms they use, as changes can have significant implications for their rights and the use of their content.
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