Adobe has officially updated its terms of service to explicitly declare that it will not use customer data to train AI systems. This move comes after recent concerns and misunderstandings regarding changes to Adobe's terms, which led some customers to believe the company was assuming broad rights to their content.
Why It Matters
The clarification is crucial for maintaining customer trust, particularly amid growing fears about how tech companies handle user data for AI training. Many Adobe users, especially creative professionals, are worried that generative AI could threaten their jobs.
The Background
Recently, Adobe changed its terms of service, which sparked customer backlash. The updated wording led to fears that Adobe might use customer content to train its AI systems.
- Scott Belsky, Adobe’s Chief Strategy Officer, clarified in an interview with Axios that the company never intended to use customer content for AI training or assume ownership of customers' work.
- Belsky emphasized that Adobe needs to use customer data for specific operational purposes, such as creating thumbnails and ensuring no child sexual abuse material is stored on its servers.
Key Changes
The updated terms now explicitly state what Adobe will not do, including:
- No AI Training: Adobe will not train its AI systems using customer data.
- Clarified Licenses: Adobe has separated the license needed for its optional beta programs, where customers share feedback on test software from other operational uses.
Firefly AI Training
Adobe's generative AI engine, Firefly, is trained using content from Adobe Stock, a collection of licensed images. Adobe has also started sharing some of Firefly's revenue with contributors to Adobe Stock.
Industry Context
The backlash Adobe faced underscores a broader concern about data usage in AI training:
- Customer Reaction: The fear of misuse led some Adobe customers to cancel their subscriptions and others to consider doing so.
- Industry Concern: There is heightened scrutiny over how companies use customer data to develop AI systems, with many creative professionals feeling their livelihoods are at risk.
Adobe's Response
Belsky acknowledged that even Adobe employees needed clarification about the policy changes. The company has since clarified its policies internally and claims its terms are among the most creator-friendly in the industry.
Additional Challenges
The recent controversy coincides with another issue for Adobe:
- DOJ Lawsuit: On Monday, the Justice Department sued Adobe, alleging that the company made it challenging to cancel its subscriptions.
The Bottom Line
Adobe's updated terms of service aim to restore customer trust and set a standard for industry transparency. "I hope that we can inspire others in the industry to do more and that these last two weeks will ultimately make us a better company," Belsky said.
This comprehensive overview underscores Adobe's commitment to customer trust and transparent data usage, highlighting the company's proactive steps to address concerns and set industry standards.