Why you shouldn't just send files via WeTransfer (and what you better do)
Sending files over the Internet sounds simple. But those who look closely at the fine print discover major risks. WeTransfer updated its terms of use this week. From now on, users who send their photos, documents or videos via the platform automatically give permission for their files to be used to train AI models. Without further notice. Without compensation. Without explicit permission. And that, rightfully so, is causing alarm.
WeTransfer updates terms and conditions
In June 2025, WeTransfer announced a change to its terms of use, giving itself broad rights to uploaded files, including use for AI training. Under the new terms, users would grant a broad, royalty-free license to copy, edit and share content, among other things. These provisions have since been removed again. This illustrates how important it is for users to be aware of what is in the terms, and what implications it may have for data use and property rights.
AI training with your files without you knowing it
AI systems learn by analyzing large amounts of data. Tech companies are therefore constantly looking for new sources of user data to make their models smarter. What used to be "your creative work" is now "input for machine learning."
At WeTransfer, that means: if you send a presentation, a report or a campaign proposal, that material may be used internally to train algorithms on it. No joke. Even if your company never gave permission to do so.
What is the problem?
- No transparency: The new terms and conditions have been quietly implemented. Many users are unaware of this.
- No control: There is no option to turn this off, use means consent.
- No compensation: Creators or companies receive no compensation for the use of their work.
- No distinction: Files containing customer data, quotations or confidential documents are also covered.
This means that anything you share via WeTransfer, including personal data or internal customer information, may in principle be used by WeTransfer for AI training. Without your organization or customer's explicit permission. This affects not only your privacy, but also that of your customers or relations.
This is part of a broader trend where large tech companies are trying to reuse data for AI purposes. Microsoft previously got into trouble for using more than 200,000 books without a license. And now it's WeTransfer's turn.
Time for a safer alternative
On social media, many users are now calling for WeTransfer to be discontinued. Fortunately, there are alternatives. FileCap is one of them. Our vision is simple: what's yours stays yours. We don't use your files for AI training. Never. Period.
What makes FileCap different?
- No AI training with your data
- Zero-access encryption for maximum security
- Hosting in the EU
- Complete control over who, when and how files are shared
- Also for companies with compliance requirements (such as government, healthcare, education and legal)
What it comes down to
That you want to send files quickly, we understand. But speed shouldn't be a risk. Especially not if you're working with customer data, internal documents or creative content. At a time when your digital footprint is worth more and more, you want to be sure your files aren't just being used for something you never chose.
Choose control. Choose privacy. Choose an alternative where your data really stays yours. Want to know more? Find out how FileCap works.
