Dutch file-sharing platform WeTransfer has landed in hot water after users discovered new terms that suggested the company could use their files to train AI models.
The clause received lots of criticism from customers on social media (including authors and comedians) after changing its terms of service, which some interpreted as allowing it the right to use files for AI training.
It’s worth noting here that last year, Milan-based Bending Spoons, a provider of digital technology products, acquired WeTransfer.
As a result, many Dutch alternatives such as FileCap, SecuDoc, and Surfly are benefiting from the fallout, with an increase in new signups and usage across sectors like architecture, marketing, and legal services.
“Dozens of companies are approaching us, and I’m mainly talking about architectural firms, marketing agencies, and content creators,” says Brouwers of Filecap to bnr.nl.
The Dutch company Secudoc is also seeing increased growth.
“We’re getting more registrations, so that’s positive,” says Technical Director Wim Wisselink to bnr.nl. “Dozens of companies have called to express interest – especially law firms, who didn’t know WeTransfer isn’t GDPR-compliant.”
Ronald Hans is working on “Boomerang”
Adding to the moment, Ronald Hans (who goes by the name Nalden on LinkedIn), co-founder of WeTransfer, posted on LinkedIn about his new minimalist file-sharing tool — Boomerang.
Looking at the website, the platform is designed with simplicity and privacy in mind.
The website also reads, “We are building a simple file-sharing service (again). One that champions creativity, not steals it.”
What happened?
The controversy began when WeTransfer quietly updated its terms of service, adding a clause that granted the company a perpetual, royalty-free licence to use uploaded content, including for “machine learning models that enhance content moderation.”
Many users, especially from creative industries, interpreted the vague language as a green light for WeTransfer to train AI systems on their files, possibly even selling them for profit.
WeTransfer responds
In response to the criticism, WeTransfer issued a statement denying any use of customer files for AI training or sharing content with third parties. The company admitted it had explored the idea of using AI for moderation purposes, but clarified that no such system is currently in place.
“A recent update to our Terms of Service may have raised some concerns about section 6.3. License to WeTransfer. We’re here to address these concerns, share an update, and clarify what this really means for you,” says the company in the press release.
“First things first. Your content is always your content. This is specified in section 6.2. Ownership of Content of our Terms of Service, which says: “We do not claim any ownership rights to the Content. You or your licensors own and retain all right, title, and interest, including all intellectual property rights, in and to the Content,” adds the company.
Soon after, the controversial clause was removed from its policy.
The updated version now states that “6.3. License to WeTransfer. In order to allow us to operate, provide you with, and improve the Service and our technologies, we must obtain from you certain rights related to Content that is covered by intellectual property rights. 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.”
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