Salesforce, the owner of workplace messaging app Slack, has recently implemented changes to its terms of service that prevent other software companies from indexing, copying, or storing Slack messages. This move, reported by The Information, comes as AI technology raises concerns about how customer data is handled.
Salesforce’s Statement
A Salesforce spokesperson directed Reuters to a May 29 statement on their website, explaining that the company is committed to delivering AI and data services in a “thoughtful and transparent” manner. The spokesperson emphasized that Salesforce is reinforcing safeguards around how data accessed via Slack APIs can be stored, used, and shared when accessed via Slack APIs.
Impact on Other Applications
The changes have affected companies like Glean, which can no longer index or store Slack data on a long-term basis via the Slack API. According to an email to Glean customers cited in The Information report, this will “hamper your ability to use your data with your chosen enterprise AI platform.”
Context: AI and Data Privacy Concerns
This development comes amid increased scrutiny of AI firms over their handling of personal and customer data for training AI models. The change highlights the growing tension between data privacy and the needs of AI development.
Technical Background
An API, or application programming interface, enables standardized communication and data exchange between different software components or applications. By limiting how data accessed via Slack APIs can be used, Salesforce is exerting more control over how Slack data is handled by third-party applications.
Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru, with additional reporting by Gursimran Kaur, and editing by Sonia Cheema. The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles apply.
