Slack Faces Backlash Over AI Data Policy: Users Demand Clearer Privacy Practices

In February, Slack introduced its AI capabilities, positioning itself as a leader in the integration of artificial intelligence within workplace communication. However, recent developments have sparked significant controversy. Slack’s current policy, which collects customer data by default for training AI models, has drawn widespread criticism and calls for greater transparency and clarity. 

The issue gained attention when Gergely Orosz, an engineer and writer, pointed out that Slack’s terms of service allow the use of customer data for training AI models, despite reassurances from Slack engineers that this is not the case. Aaron Maurer, a Slack engineer, acknowledged the need for updated policies that explicitly detail how Slack AI interacts with customer data. This discrepancy between policy language and practical application has left many users uneasy. 

Slack’s privacy principles state that customer data, including messages and files, may be used to develop AI and machine learning models. In contrast, the Slack AI page asserts that customer data is not used to train Slack AI models. This inconsistency has led users to demand that Slack update its privacy policies to reflect the actual use of data.

The controversy intensified as users on platforms like Hacker News and Threads voiced their concerns. Many felt that Slack had not adequately notified users about the default opt-in for data sharing. 

T

[…]
Content was cut in order to protect the source.Please visit the source for the rest of the article.