WeTransfer is facing backlash over updated terms hinting user uploads might feed AI training. The popular file-sharing service rolled out terms suggesting content could be used to “improve machine learning models.” Users hit back hard, fearing their creative work would be mined without permission.
The issue started when the new clause replaced older wording about rights to “reproduce, modify, distribute and publicly display” content, sparking confusion. Creatives, including a voice actor, a filmmaker, and a journalist, vented on X and threatened cancellations.
Soon after, WeTransfer pushed back, saying user files have never been used for AI training—even internally. The company said no AI use is planned. 
They revised terms again on Tuesday, removing machine learning or AI references completely. The new section now reads:
You hereby grant us a royalty-free license to use your content for the purposes of operating, developing, and improving the service, all in accordance with our privacy & cookie policy.
WeTransfer hopes the clarifications reassure worried customers.
The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain welcomed the update and emphasized:
Members’ work should never be used to train AI systems without their permission.
WeTransfer stressed its commitment to creatives, saying:
As a company with deep roots in the creative community, we hold our customers and their work in the highest regard. We will continue to work to make sure WeTransfer is the best product it can be for our customers.
Founded in 2009, WeTransfer serves 80 million users in 190 countries, mainly creative pros sharing large files quickly without accounts.
