WeTransfer has reportedly said that it does not use files uploaded to its platform to train AI models.
The company, whose service allows users to upload files that can be sent to other people on the internet to be redownloaded, recently faced criticism from users who had interpreted its terms of service as giving it the right to use their uploaded files for AI training purposes.
The firm has told the BBC it has since then updated its terms, changing the passage as “it may have caused confusion for our customers.”
A WeTransfer spokeswoman also told the broadcaster: “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.”
Previously, the terms of service said WeTransfer could use the content to “improve the performance of machine learning models that enhance our content moderation process”.
In its clauses, WeTransfer also stated that it had the right to “reproduce, distribute, modify or publicly display” the files uploaded on its platform.
User comments proliferated on social media channels which interpreted the terms of service as if the company was using their files to train AI machines, sharing on X their intention to switch to alternative service providers.
The firm has now changed its terms of service, with Clause 6.3 now stating: “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.”
Changes are set to come into force on 8 August for existing users.
