WeTransfer updates terms after backlash over potential use of user content for AI training

WeTransfer has announced a significant update to its Terms & Conditions after widespread backlash regarding its handling of user-uploaded files. The controversy arose when users discovered that the original clause 6.3 granted WeTransfer a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use their content for a broad range of purposes, including training machine learning models and creating derivative works. This language led to concerns among artists and filmmakers, who interpreted the policy as allowing WeTransfer to train AI systems on their creative work without compensation or opt-out.

Responding to mounting criticism across social media, WeTransfer issued a public clarification, stating that it does not utilize any form of artificial intelligence or machine learning to process user files. The company explained that the broad license was initially intended to improve content moderation and prevent the sharing of harmful material.

Following these clarifications, WeTransfer updated clause 6.3 to narrow its scope. The revised language now limits the license strictly to operating, developing, and improving the service, in line with its Privacy & Cookie Policy. References to artificial intelligence, machine learning, derivative works, and public display were removed from the terms.