Adobe’s new terms of service aren’t the problem — it’s the trust

Adobe responded to the backlash by publishing a blog post to address the concerns and clarify the updated terms of service. In the post, Adobe stated that the company does not use customer content to train its Firefly generative AI model. The company also emphasized that it does not assume ownership of a customer's work. Adobe explained that the updated language in the terms of service was to clarify that it may access user content through automated and manual methods, but only in limited ways and as permitted by law5. Adobe's chief product officer, Scott Belsky, acknowledged that the wording within the notification was "unclear" and said the company's legal team was working to address concerns about the vague language within the policy.

To rebuild trust with independent creators and address their concerns effectively, Adobe might need to take the following steps:

1. Clear and Transparent Communication: Adobe should ensure that its terms of service and any updates are communicated clearly and transparently to its users. They must avoid using vague language and provide concise explanations of any changes to avoid misinterpretation.

2. Address User Concerns: Adobe should actively listen to and address user concerns, especially those related to data privacy and the use of their content. This could involve setting up a dedicated channel for feedback and queries and providing prompt and satisfactory responses.

3. Demonstrate Respect for Creator Rights: Adobe should continue to emphasize its commitment to respecting creator rights and protecting the interests of the open-source community. This could involve showcasing success stories, providing resources for creators, and contributing to open-source projects.

4. Improve AI Policies: Adobe should work on improving its AI policies to ensure that they adequately protect the rights and interests of creators. This includes being transparent about how AI is used within their products and services and providing users with clear options for opting out of AI-related features.

5. Engage with the Creative Community: Adobe should actively engage with the creative community through events, workshops, and online forums. This will allow them to better understand the needs and concerns of creators and adapt their products and services accordingly.

6. Offer Reassurances: Adobe could offer reassurances to users by providing clear information about how their content is used and the measures in place to protect it. They could also consider offering additional privacy and security features to give users more control over their content.

By implementing these steps, Adobe can work towards rebuilding trust with independent creators and demonstrating its commitment to supporting and protecting the creative community.