Update: Adobe explained on their blog that they do not train Firefly Gen AI models on customer content, nor assume ownership of a customer’s work.
Read more on Adobe’s dedicated blog post on the matter: https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2024/06/06/clarification-adobe-terms-of-use
Adobe is currently facing significant backlash from its user community due to recent changes in its terms and conditions. These changes grant Adobe the right to “access your content through both automated and manual methods,” affecting users of popular software such as Photoshop and Substance 3D.
Unlimited Access to User Content
The updated terms require users to provide Adobe with unlimited access to their content, including projects that might be under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Even if users opt out, Adobe retains the right to override these opt-outs. This has raised substantial privacy and security concerns among users who rely on these tools for sensitive and proprietary work.
Broad Definition of “Content”
Adobe’s definition of “content” is extensive, encompassing “any text, information, communication, or material, such as audio files, video files, electronic documents, or images, that you upload, import into, embed for use by, or create using the Services and Software.” This broad scope means that virtually anything a user works on within Adobe’s ecosystem could be subject to access and review by the company.
Potential Use for AI Training
The new terms also permit Adobe to analyze subscribers’ content using techniques like machine learning. This has led to speculation that Adobe intends to use user-generated content to train its AI models, aligning with its recent emphasis on generative AI (GenAI) products such as Firefly.
Forced Consent for Continued Access
The General Terms of Use were updated in February 2024, but the rollout of these changes over the past few days has resulted in users being locked out of applications like Photoshop and Substance 3D until they consent to the new terms. This has only intensified the frustration and anger among Adobe’s user base.
User Backlash and Industry Voices
One of the prominent voices in the backlash is designer Wetterschneider, who counts DC Comics and Nike among his clients. Wetterschneider strongly objects to the terms, stating:
“Here it is. If you are a professional, if you are under NDA with your clients, if you are a creative, a lawyer, a doctor or anyone who works with proprietary files – it is time to cancel Adobe, delete all the apps and programs. Adobe can not be trusted.”
Adobe’s Response
In response to the outcry, Adobe stated, “This policy has been in place for many years. As part of our commitment to being transparent with our customers, we added clarifying examples earlier this year to our Terms of Use regarding when Adobe may access user content. Adobe accesses user content for a number of reasons, including the ability to deliver some of our most innovative cloud-based features, such as Photoshop Neural Filters and Remove Background in Adobe Express, as well as to take action against prohibited content. Adobe does not access, view, or listen to content that is stored locally on any user’s device.”
Despite these assurances, many users remain unconvinced and are calling for Adobe to reconsider the changes to better respect user privacy and autonomy. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Adobe will address the growing concerns of its user community
