The growing concern surrounding user privacy can largely be attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence. To enhance these AI systems, large volumes of high-quality data are essential, creating an insatiable demand for more information. Consequently, tech companies developing AI models often turn to source data that’s easily accessible—their own users’ information.

WeTransfer has recently faced scrutiny over this issue. The conversation has been particularly intense on platforms like Bluesky, where many users are vocally criticizing the company due to revisions in its terms of service. The upsetting aspect for users is the apparent indication within the updated terms suggesting that the company reserves the right to utilize user content for the improvement of its AI systems.

Goodbye, WeTransfer.

— Rami Ismail (رامي) (@ramiismail.com) Jul 14, 2025 at 7:57 PM

The newly revised terms clearly state, “You grant us a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licenseable license to use your Content to… enhance the Service or new technologies or services, including the development of machine learning models that improve our content moderation process.” Such wording leaves little room for misinterpretation.

The Response from WeTransfer

However, WeTransfer has asserted that this interpretation is incorrect. In a statement reported by the BBC, a company representative clarified, “We do not utilize machine learning or any form of AI to process content shared via WeTransfer, nor do we sell user content or data to external parties.” According to WeTransfer, the intention behind the modifications in the terms was to “allow for the possible use of AI to enhance content moderation” and identify “potentially harmful content.” Many are skeptical about this clarification.

In response to the public outcry, WeTransfer has revised its terms, aiming to simplify the language. This likely refers to the complete removal of any references to utilizing user content for training AI models, as such phrases have vanished from the updated terms.

Previously, the terms indicated that WeTransfer had extensive rights over user content, stating, “Such license includes the rights to reproduce, distribute, modify, prepare derivative works based upon, broadcast, communicate to the public, publicly display, and perform Content. No compensation for any use of Content by us under these Terms will be provided.” These stipulations have since been altered, now stating, “You hereby grant us a royalty-free license to use your Content for the purposes of operating, developing, and improving the Service, in compliance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy.

Interestingly, the original language surrounding licensing—though not about AI training—remains present concerning any feedback submitted to WeTransfer. This raises concerns about a royalty-free license being granted for any feedback without any expectation of compensation. Users are left hoping that their personal content will not be similarly utilized to bolster the AI capabilities of the platform.

The updated terms set to take effect on August 8 may lead some users to rethink their association with WeTransfer, as both existing and potential users weigh their options in light of the controversy.