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Adobe Faces Backlash Over New Terms of Service
Adobe, known for its legacy enterprise software, has been at the forefront of embracing generative AI technology. The company has integrated AI features like Firefly AI image generation, Generative Fill, and an AI Assistant for customer experience software.
However, Adobe’s pro-gen AI stance has sparked criticism from some users and Adobe Stock contributors. Recently, as generative AI technology faces increasing skepticism, Adobe has come under fire for new “Terms of Service” (ToS) language that users must agree to in order to continue using its apps.
Updated Terms of Use
The updated ToS includes clauses that allow Adobe to access user content through automated and manual methods for various purposes, such as responding to support requests, detecting fraud, and improving services through machine learning analysis.
Section 2.2 of the ToS, in particular, has drawn ire from users on social media. The section outlines Adobe’s right to access and analyze user content to enhance its services, leading to concerns about privacy and data usage.
Despite the backlash, Adobe maintains that the policy has been in place for years and is essential for delivering innovative cloud-based features. The company clarified that it does not access content stored locally on users’ devices and uses content analysis primarily for features like Photoshop Neural Filters.
While Adobe has not committed to refraining from training AI on user content, it has previously used contributor content from Adobe Stock for AI training. The company asserts that this practice is lawful and ethical under its ToS.
Nevertheless, the ambiguity surrounding the ToS language has prompted some users to consider canceling their Adobe subscriptions. It remains to be seen whether this backlash will have a significant impact on the company’s business.
Public Response
Public figures, including Hollywood director Duncan Jones, have criticized Adobe for its updated ToS agreement. Social media posts and screenshots highlighting the changes in language have circulated online, fueling the debate over user privacy and data usage.
Overall, the controversy underscores the challenges that companies face in balancing AI advancements with user trust and privacy concerns.
I just got an update on @Adobe terms of service saying they’ll have unrestricted access to everything I use, upload or download with their services for Machine Learning; This means every copyrighted material I have in my possession is being used by Adobe AI Model pic.twitter.com/DHk4wk755Q— thiagocrocha.bsky.social (@Thiagocrocha_) June 4, 2024
As the debate continues, Adobe’s handling of user data and content will be closely scrutinized, reflecting broader concerns about AI ethics and data privacy in the digital age.
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