Adobe is revising its Terms of Use to provide clarity on content licensing, AI, and privacy concerns.

 

The recent uproar and frustration over an Adobe Terms of Use update prompted the company to reassess its language and communication strategies. In addition to a blog post last week, Adobe announced today its plans for direct communication with customers and an updated Terms of Use.

“We recently implemented a re-acceptance of our Terms of Use, which has raised concerns among our customers regarding its implications. This has prompted us to reevaluate the language used in our Terms and seize the opportunity to provide clearer explanations addressing the community's concerns,” stated Adobe in a new blog post authored by Scott Belsky and Dana Rao. Belsky serves as Adobe’s Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Design and Emerging Products, while Rao holds the position of Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Trust Officer at the company.

Adobe intends to engage with customers before implementing changes to its Terms of Use by June 18. Customers can anticipate significant clarifications regarding content ownership, the training of generative AI models, usage licenses, and content moderation.

“At Adobe, our stance is unequivocal, reflecting our commitment to our customers and responsible innovation in this domain,” emphasized Belsky and Rao. “We have never trained generative AI on customer content, claimed ownership of a customer’s work, or granted access to customer content beyond legal requirements.”

Despite the confusion surrounding the language in a Terms of Use update popup last week, the company maintains that it never intended to alter its stance as described above. Nevertheless, Adobe acknowledges that revising its Terms of Use is necessary, focusing on key areas of concern, particularly those raised by users. These revisions will address issues such as the training of generative AI models, user content treatment, and content moderation.

Adobe clarifies that it does not train generative AI on customer content. While user data aids in enhancing certain machine learning features, users have the option to opt-out, albeit at the potential cost of limited access to specific development programs and product improvement functions.

Concerns regarding licensing have also been addressed. Adobe asserts that its licenses do not transfer content ownership to the company, although this may not be evident from the current Terms of Use. The company plans to provide straightforward examples of licensing as required for using specific software features to alleviate confusion caused by complex legal terminology.

Furthermore, Adobe acknowledges the need to modernize and clarify its Terms of Use promptly, acknowledging its failure to adequately address evolving customer concerns, particularly regarding generative AI.

“In a landscape where customers are increasingly concerned about data usage and the training of generative AI models, it is incumbent upon companies hosting customer data and content to transparently declare their policies, including in their legally binding Terms of Use,” explained Adobe.

The upcoming updated Terms of Use will be more precise, limited to necessary activities, and utilize plain language and examples to enhance customer understanding.

Regarding trust, Adobe acknowledges the necessity of earning it back. The company expresses gratitude for feedback received, commits to engaging with customers, and strives to become a trusted partner for creators.

In the realm of software crucial for artistic and creative endeavors, clarity regarding content ownership, generative AI, and data security is paramount, leaving no room for ambiguity.