WeTransfer Quietly Updates Terms—Is Your Data at Risk?
WeTransfer updated its terms, allowing use of shared files for AI training. Users are worried about privacy. Here’s what changed and what it means for you.
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WeTransfer, a widely used file-sharing service, has made a significant change to its Terms of Service that has triggered privacy concerns. The revised policy, which briefly allowed the platform to use user-uploaded content for machine learning purposes, has since been updated again after public backlash.
The change was first noticed by a Reddit user on July 14, who flagged an update to Article 6.3 in WeTransfer’s terms. The policy revision stated that users were granting WeTransfer a "perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable and sublicensable license" to use uploaded content for developing and improving services, including training machine learning models.
This update implied that WeTransfer could copy, alter, distribute, and even sublicense user files, potentially exposing sensitive information without compensation or explicit consent. Users would have no legal claim to compensation for such use, sparking criticism across social media and privacy forums.
The modified clause came into effect on June 23 but went unnoticed for weeks until it began trending on discussion platforms. The delay in official communication from the company has added to the distrust. Critics argue that such major policy shifts should be announced transparently, preferably with user notification.
After widespread scrutiny, WeTransfer quietly revised the language in the same clause. As of now, Article 6.3 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 and Cookie Policy."
The updated version drops references to machine learning, perpetual usage, and sublicensing rights. However, the core issue remains: the company retains rights to use user data without direct notification or remuneration.
Data security experts caution users to evaluate how platforms handle digital content. They recommend exploring privacy-focused alternatives, including SwissTransfer, Tresorit Send, and Proton’s encrypted services like Proton Drive and Proton Mail. These platforms emphasize data protection and offer end-to-end encryption.
Despite rolling back the AI-related clause, WeTransfer’s lack of proactive disclosure has led many to question its data handling ethics. The company has not issued a formal statement regarding either the initial change or the retraction.
