Adobe recently updated its Terms of Use, aiming to provide clarity on specific areas like content moderation processes and generative AI ^[1][2][4] . This Adobe Terms update has raised concerns among artists and creators who use Adobe's Creative Cloud and Document Cloud software ^[4] .

Adobe requires limited access to user content to enable key application features, enforce terms, comply with laws, and screen for illegal or abusive content ^{[1]  [4]} . However, the company clarifies it doesn't train generative AI models like Firefly on customer work or assume ownership of any customer's creative projects ^[1] .

Adobe's Updated Terms of Use

Adobe recently updated its Terms of Use to provide more clarity on specific areas like content moderation processes and generative AI. ^{[1]  [4]  [9]} The focus was on improving moderation processes and adding more human moderation to content submission review processes, given the rise of generative AI. ^{[1]  [11]}

Explanation of the Recent Changes

To operate and improve its services, Adobe requires limited access to user content for purposes like enforcing terms, complying with laws, and screening for illegal or abusive content. ^{[1]  [4]  [11]} Access is also needed for features like opening files, creating previews, and cloud-based tools like Neural Filters and Remove Background. ^[11] Adobe may use technologies and manual review to screen for illegal content like child sexual abuse material or spam on content stored on its servers. ^[11]

Adobe clarified that it does not train generative AI models like Firefly on customer content and does not assume ownership of customers' creative projects. ^{[1]  [4]  [9]} Firefly is trained on licensed content like Adobe Stock and public domain works. ^{[1]  [9]}

Concerns Raised by Artists and Creators

The updated terms raised concerns among artists and creators who use Adobe's Creative Cloud and Document Cloud software. ^[4] Professionals working under NDAs feared inadvertently breaching them, as any data processed through Adobe software could potentially be accessed and utilized by Adobe without explicit permission. ^[10]

Some users felt the terms were invasive and infringed on their rights to control their creations, with the potential for data exploitation. ^[10] There were also concerns about agreeing to the terms under duress due to the necessity of using Adobe's software. ^[10]

Adobe's Initial Response

Adobe acknowledged the concerns and committed to evolving its Terms of Use to reflect its commitments to the community. ^[9] The company plans to release updated terms by June 18, 2024, with more precise language, examples, and limitations on activities related to improving products. ^{[6]  [7]  [8]  [9]}

Adobe emphasized its stance on not training generative AI on customer content, not assuming ownership of customer work, and only allowing access to content as legally required. ^{[6]  [8]  [9]} The company aims to create Terms of Use that address modern challenges faced by creators. ^[9]

What’s Next

The recent updates to Adobe's Terms of Use sparked concerns among artists and creators about potential misuse or exploitation of their work. While Adobe aimed to clarify its content moderation processes and approach to generative AI, the changes raised questions about inadvertent breaches of NDAs, loss of control over creations, and the necessity of agreeing to the terms. Adobe acknowledged these concerns and committed to evolving the Terms of Use to better reflect its commitments to the creative community.

In response, Adobe plans to release updated terms by June 18, 2024, with more precise language, examples, and limitations on activities related to improving products. The company reasserted its stance on not training generative AI on customer content, not assuming ownership of customer work, and only allowing access to content as legally required. By addressing these modern challenges faced by creators, Adobe aims to create Terms of Use that strike a balance between providing essential services and respecting the rights and concerns of its user base.

FAQs

1. What distinguishes Adobe from other companies?
Adobe was established 40 years ago with a vision to develop innovative products that have the potential to revolutionize the world. The company provides cutting-edge technology that enables individuals globally to conceive, create, and realize any digital experience.

2. How is adobe used in the art world?
In the context of art, adobe refers to a building material made from a mixture of clay, water, and a binding agent like straw. This mixture is shaped into bricks and sun-dried.

3. What are Adobe's primary functions and products?
Adobe is recognized as a global leader in digital marketing and creative software. Their product range includes tools for web design, photo editing, vector creation, video and audio editing, mobile application development, print layout, and animation software.

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