WeTransfer, the widely used cloud platform for large file transfers, has announced a significant change to its terms and conditions that has sparked widespread concern among users. Beginning August 8, the company will reserve the rights to all content uploaded to its platform — including documents, videos, photos, and texts — to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models and enhance its services.
The update was quietly introduced at the end of June and is set to take effect early August. According to WeTransfer, the change aims to support the company’s efforts to “operate, develop, market, and improve the service or new technologies or services, including improving the performance of machine learning models.”
A Broad License Over User Content
The controversial change is detailed in section 6.3 of WeTransfer’s updated terms of service. It states that in order to provide and enhance its services, WeTransfer must obtain certain rights over user-generated content that is protected by intellectual property laws.
“You hereby grant us a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, transferable, and sublicensable license to use your Content for the purposes of operating, developing, marketing, and improving the Service or new technologies or services, including improving the performance of machine learning models that support our content moderation process,” the document reads.
The scope of this license is particularly expansive. It includes the right to reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works, transmit, publicly display, and perform the user’s content — all without any obligation to provide compensation.
AI at the Center of the Controversy
At the heart of this policy shift is WeTransfer’s intention to use uploaded files to enhance its AI systems. While the company presents this move as a step toward improving moderation and performance, many users see it as a serious breach of trust and a threat to their privacy and creative rights.
This is especially alarming for users who regularly transfer sensitive, confidential, or proprietary materials using the platform.
User Backlash
Social media has seen a wave of criticism following the announcement. Long-time users of WeTransfer have expressed disappointment and concern, with many declaring their plans to stop using the service altogether.
Critics argue that the new policy gives the company far too much control over personal and professional content, and that the terms are too vague and one-sided in favor of WeTransfer’s commercial interests.
A Once Trusted Platform
Founded in the Netherlands in 2009, WeTransfer quickly rose to prominence as one of the most reliable platforms for sending large files over the internet. Its simple interface and generous free tier made it a favorite among creatives, freelancers, and businesses alike. The platform also offers a paid version that allows for even larger transfers and more frequent use.
This new policy, however, could damage the reputation WeTransfer has built over more than a decade, especially if users begin migrating to alternative services that offer more privacy-friendly terms.
As the August 8 deadline approaches, users will have to decide whether they are comfortable granting such extensive rights over their content or if it’s time to look for other options.