WeTransfer is facing backlash over AI training fears after changing its terms of service.
The file-sharing giant confirmed it does not use uploaded files to train AI models or sell data to third parties. The confusion came after a recent ToS update around AI content moderation triggered user concern.
A WeTransfer spokesperson told BBC News: 
"We don’t use machine learning or any form of AI to process content shared via WeTransfer, nor do we sell content or data to any third parties."
The original clause said WeTransfer could use content “including to improve performance of machine learning models that enhance our content moderation process,” and gave rights to reproduce, distribute, modify, or publicly display uploaded files.
Users on social media, especially creatives like illustrators and actors, flagged this as a license to share or sell files to AI companies. Some threatened to switch services due to trust concerns.
WeTransfer updated the clause Tuesday and clarified the language:
"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."
The changes take effect August 8 for existing users.
This isn’t the first time a file-sharing service faces this. Dropbox also had to clarify it wasn’t using user files to train AI after a social media uproar in December 2023.
Privacy experts warn users about hidden risks in sneaky ToS tweaks. Data protection lawyer Mona Schroedel told BBC News:
"All companies are keen to cash in on the AI craze and what AI needs more than anything is data."
"So it is a skip and a hop to trying to use existing data for machine learning exercises under the guise of legitimate interest to improve service provision."
"Users can also be placed in a ‘difficult position’ if terms of a service they are embedded in or rely on suddenly change, … they may be left with little choice but to continue using it."
WeTransfer says the AI language was added initially just to support better content moderation—not to feed AI training data. The company is now emphasizing clearer communication to calm user fears.
