Explained: The controversy over Adobe’s terms of service changes and AI training fearsAdobe’s recent Terms of Service (TOS) update has caused widespread concern among users, who fear their work might be used to train AI models.
The update mentioned Adobe could access user content through automated and manual methods.
The confusionAdobe’s TOS update mentioned that they may access user content through automated and manual methods, using machine learning to improve services.
This led to fears that Adobe might use users’ work to train its AI model, Firefly, or access sensitive projects under NDA.
The clarificationAdobe responded to the backlash over its TOS update by assuring users that their commitments haven’t changed.
Explained: The controversy over Adobe’s terms of service changes and AI training fears
Adobe’s recent Terms of Service (TOS) update has caused widespread concern among users, who fear their work might be used to train AI models. The company clarified that this is not the case and promised to rectify the ambiguous language in its notification.
Adobe owns a lot of creative apps across media (Image Credits: Adobe)
Adobe’s recent notification informing about a recent Terms of Service (TOS) update has caused widespread outrage among users, who fear Adobe might use their work to train AI models. The update mentioned Adobe could access user content through automated and manual methods.
Creatives worry this implies their work could be used to train Firefly, Adobe’s generative AI, or access sensitive projects under NDA. However, the company clarified that it wasn’t the case. It also called its notification “unclear” and confirmed to rectify the ambiguous language.
The confusion
Adobe’s TOS update mentioned that they may access user content through automated and manual methods, using machine learning to improve services. This led to fears that Adobe might use users’ work to train its AI model, Firefly, or access sensitive projects under NDA. Notably, the updated language has been in effect since February, with Adobe only recently informing users.
I just cancelled my Adobe licence after many years as a customer. The new terms give Adobe “worldwide royalty-free licence to reproduce, display, distribute” or do whatever they want with any content I produce using their software. This is beyond insane. No creator in their… pic.twitter.com/8UK3ur3WtH — Sasha Yanshin (@sashayanshin) June 7, 2024
Here it is. If you are a professional, if you are under NDA with your clients, if you are a creative, a lawyer, a doctor or anyone who works with proprietary files – it is time to cancel Adobe, delete all the apps and programs. Adobe can not be trusted. pic.twitter.com/LFnBbDKWLC — Wetterschneider (@Stretchedwiener) June 5, 2024
Just like many, an X user expressed outrage over the TOS, stating they cancelled their Adobe subscription. The user claimed the new terms grant Adobe a “worldwide royalty-free licence” to use any content created with their software, which is unacceptable for creators who pay a substantial subscription fee.
The clarification
Adobe responded to the backlash over its TOS update by assuring users that their commitments haven’t changed. They clarified that Firefly, their AI model, isn’t trained on customer content but on licensed and public domain content.
“solely for the purpose of operating…”
for clarity: any modern software company that has features like reproducing as thumbnails, enabling users to share for review and approval via web link, auto generating variations, indexing for search etc – requires a license (or for… — scott belsky (@scottbelsky) June 6, 2024
The TOS changes were minimal, with “machine learning” language being in the policy for years. Scott Belsky, Adobe’s chief product officer, acknowledged the notification’s unclear wording and emphasised the importance of trust and transparency.
