Zoom Latest Terms of Service Update Reveals AI Strategy: Training AI Models Using Customer Data
According to recently updated terms of service, Zoom is looking to train its artificial intelligence models with some of its users’ data. The update, effective as of July 27, allows Zoom to utilize certain aspects of customer data for training and tuning its AI and machine learning models. This includes customer information on product usage, telemetry, diagnostic data, and similar content collected by the company. Notably, Zoom does not provide an opt-out option for users regarding this use of their data.
While using service-generated data for training AI models is common among companies, the update signifies a step towards Zoom own AI ambitions. However, this move comes amidst a growing public debate on the ethical use of individuals’ data for AI services, even if aggregated or anonymized. Some AI tools, like chatbots and image-generation tools, have faced legal challenges from creators who claim their work is reflected in AI outputs.
Zoom’s updated terms state that users consent to the company’s access, use, collection, modification, distribution, processing, sharing, maintenance, and storage of service-generated data for various purposes, including machine learning and artificial intelligence. However, it clarifies that customer content such as messages, files, and documents is not included in this data category. In a blog post, Zoom further explained that they do not use audio, video, or chat content for AI model training without customer consent.
In June, Zoom introduced two new generative AI features on a free trial basis, but users must consent to enable these features and allow Zoom to use their individual customer content for training AI models. The company ensures that user content is solely used to improve the performance and accuracy of the AI services.
A Zoom’s spokesperson emphasized that Zoom customers have the choice to enable generative AI features and decide whether or not to share customer content with Zoom for product improvement purposes. This approach aims to maintain transparency and respect user consent when leveraging data for AI training.