Adobe is facing backlash from users after updating its terms of use. The changes allow the company to review content stored in its cloud services. This has sparked outrage among users who are concerned about privacy.
We recently made an update to our Terms of Use with the goal of providing more clarity on a few specific areas. We have received a number of questions resulting from this update and want to provide some clarity.
— Adobe (@Adobe) June 6, 2024
The issue gained attention when video game concept artist Sam Santala highlighted the update on social media platform X.
I reached out to Adobe about their new terms of service and a person from a PR firm replied to me with a link to this blog post: https://t.co/9A1o7rB4Hq
— Karen K. Ho (@karenkho) June 7, 2024
Santala was alarmed by the implications, stating, “I can’t use Photoshop unless I’m okay with you having full access to anything I create with it, INCLUDING NDA work.”
Adobe responded by pointing to the updated sections of its General Terms of Use. The changes were made to sections detailing how Adobe will handle user content.
Clarifications and more details on the TOS changes from yesterday.https://t.co/Z8KmSWFfIL
— Jérémie Noguer (@Gahadmor) June 7, 2024
Adobe clarified that it may access content through automated and manual methods, but only in limited ways. This includes automated scanning using techniques like machine learning to improve services. The updated terms have struck a nerve with users who feel Adobe is overstepping.
.@Adobe, this is unacceptable and you know it. Be better.
Adobe Creative Cloud requires users agree to the company getting free access to users' projects, for whatever they want to do with it.https://t.co/XdDRJUh0YV
— Bianca Bickford 🖤 (@BiancaBickford) June 6, 2024
Adobe assured users that the scanning is primarily to enhance service quality and screen for illegal content.
Adobe terms change sparks outrage
Content stored locally on a user’s PC will not be scanned, Adobe confirmed.
However, any content uploaded to Adobe’s systems is subject to these terms. Adobe also mentioned a limited opt-out option for certain types of content analysis. Scott Belsky, Adobe’s chief strategy officer, responded to the concerns.
He stated that Adobe does not train any generative AI models on customer content without permission. However, Belsky acknowledged that some degree of access might still be necessary for functions like indexing. Adobe, which faced criticism over its subscription cancellation practices last year, addressed the matter in a blog post.
The company reiterated its commitment to responsible AI innovation. They emphasized that the license to access user content is limited to operating or improving the services and enforcing terms. This controversy highlights ongoing user concerns about privacy and data usage by major tech companies.
It comes as AI and machine learning continue to evolve.
