The popular FileSharing Service Wetransfer says that user content will not be used to train artificial intelligence after changes to the terms of service have caused public backlash.
The company, which is regularly used by creative experts to transfer work online, suggested in new terms that uploaded files could be used to “improve machine learning models.”
The provision previously stated that the service has the right to “reproduction, modify, distribute, publish” the content, and the updated version caused confusion among users.
A Wetransfer spokesperson said that user content has never been used internally to test or develop AI models, and that “specific types of AI” are being considered for use by Dutch companies.
The company said: “There is no change in the way Wetransfer actually handles content.”
Wetransfer revised its new terms and conditions on Tuesday, removing machine learning or AI references to “make the language easier to understand.”
The spokesman said, “We hope that by removing the machine learning reference and modifying the legal terms to make the licensing terms more clear, we will reassure customers who are wondering what the update means to them.”
Currently, the relevant section of Service Terminology states, “We hereby grant you a royalty-free license to use our content for the purposes of operating, developing and improving the service in accordance with our Privacy and Cookie Policy.”
Some users of the service, including voice actors, filmmakers and journalists, shared their dissatisfaction with X's new terms and threatened to cancel their subscription.
The use of copyrighted work by AI companies has become a particularly sensitive issue for the creative industry. This argues that using producers without permission puts their livelihood at risk by denialing income and potentially helping them create tools that compete with their work.
The British writers' guild said they were happy to learn that Wetransfer “provided clarity,” and that “should not be used to train AI systems without permission to work on members.”
Wetransfer said: “As a company with deep roots in the creative community, we value our customers and their work the most. We will continue to work to ensure that Wetransfer is the best product for our customers.”
The company was founded in 2009, allowing users to send large files via email without creating an official account. The service is currently used by 80 million users per month in 190 countries.
