In response to widespread backlash from its user community, Adobe has announced significant updates to its terms of service (ToS), aiming to provide clearer guidelines on issues related to AI usage and content ownership. The controversy erupted when subscribers of products like Photoshop and Premiere Pro expressed concern over vague language in the updated ToS, fearing that Adobe might exploit their work for training generative AI models without consent.
Scott Belsky, head of product at Adobe, along with Dana Rao, VP of legal and policy, addressed these concerns in a recent blog post, assuring users that their content remains their sole property and will not be utilized to train any generative AI tools. This clarification comes amidst allegations that the revised ToS implied Adobe could appropriate users’ copyrighted material for commercial gain.
“While the intent behind the updated ToS was primarily for our product improvement program and legal compliance, we acknowledge that the language used could have been clearer,” admitted Belsky. He emphasized Adobe’s commitment to transparency, particularly in an era where consumer apprehension about data usage and AI applications is on the rise.
The company has pledged to revamp its ToS with simplified language and practical examples to elucidate the purpose and implications of each clause. This overhaul seeks to empower users with a better understanding of Adobe’s policies regarding data privacy, AI training, and content ownership, ensuring compliance with legal standards while maintaining trust among its customer base.
Moreover, Adobe has reiterated that its AI system, Firefly, exclusively trains on Adobe Stock images and does not incorporate user-generated content without explicit consent. However, concerns have been raised by artists who discovered their names used as search terms on Adobe Stock, yielding AI-generated results resembling their artistic styles.
In a bid to rebuild trust, Adobe has issued a comprehensive explanation of forthcoming changes, including enhanced opt-out options for product improvement programs and more tailored licensing agreements. The company clarified its data scanning practices, affirming that it only scans cloud-stored data and respects locally stored content privacy.
“We recognize the importance of listening to our customers’ feedback and will continue to refine our policies based on their insights,” assured Adobe in its latest communication, signaling a proactive approach to addressing community concerns and fostering greater transparency moving forward.
As Adobe navigates this period of scrutiny, its commitment to clarifying ToS and upholding user rights underscores a pivotal shift towards more accountable corporate practices in the tech industry. By prioritizing transparency and responsiveness, Adobe aims to regain user trust and uphold its leadership in digital creativity tools while setting a precedent for ethical AI development and data governance.