Slack uses private user data to improve the performance of its own artificial intelligence models without the permission of the data owners.
Privacy violation
Improper use of personal information
According to the privacy policy, the Slack service studies and analyzes messages, content and user files and other information about their activity to develop and improve artificial intelligence and machine learning models. These actions take place without the knowledge and permission of the customers themselves, which is a violation of the principles of personal data protection.
Option to opt out of intrusive analysis
The company claims to use only de-identified and aggregated data, and models cannot learn, remember, or reproduce private content. However, to stop the use of their data, the organization that owns the workspace must send a formal request to the specified email address with the URL and the subject of the letter.
Response to criticism
After criticism from experts and the public on social networks, Slack published a separate statement clarifying that the collected data is not used to train its own Slack AI product. Instead, they are needed to improve support features such as channel recommendations, emojis and search results.
"Glossary"
- Slack is a popular cloud platform for corporate communication and collaboration
- DuckBill Group - consulting firm on cyber security and data protection
- X (formerly Twitter) - a social network for public microblogging, which changed its name after being acquired by Elon Musk
- Artificial intelligence (AI) - a branch of computer science that deals with by the development of intelligent computer systems
- Machine learning - a subdivision of artificial intelligence that studies methods of building algorithms capable of learning from data
"Link"
- Engadget article about Slack practices
- Corey Quinn's post on X's social network
- Slack's statement on the official blog
Questions answered
How does Slack use user data?
Can machine learning models remember or reproduce sensitive user information?
Can I opt out of data usage by Slack?
Why does Slack use machine learning models?
Does Slack use user data to train its own AI product?
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Discussion of the topic – Scandal: Slack uses user data without permission to train artificial intelligence
Messaging service Slack has sparked outrage among users after the company used their data to train machine learning models without prior permission. To prevent the use of their data, users must submit a request to Slack.
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MariaBerlin
He talked a lot about the privacy of user data on Slack. It worries me a lot. I do not want my messages and files to be used to train their models without my permission. 😕
JuanMadrid
Agree, MariaBerlin. This seems a bit opaque on Slack's part. They should be more clear in their privacy policy and get user consent. After all, it is about our private data. 🤔
SarahLondon
In fact, according to their blog, they claim that they don't use data to train Slack AI. But it's still troubling that they can use our content for other purposes without express consent. 😕
FrancoRoma
Wouldn't it be better to switch to other platforms for teamwork that guarantee more privacy? I'm already considering alternatives in case Slack continues to ignore users' wishes. 💭
OldGrouchKiev
That's nonsense! All these newfangled things with artificial intelligence are just a fad. Why do you even need Slack? Meet face to face and talk like you used to. Don't let technology rule your life! 😠
AnnaWarszawa
OldGrouchKiev, I understand your concerns, but technology is our future. Instead, we should demand more transparency and respect for user privacy from companies like Slack. It's a matter of trust. 💻
PiotrKrakow
It's great that Slack allows you to opt out of using your data for machine learning. However, the process seems too complicated - send a letter? They should just add an option in the user settings. 🤷 ♂️
JacquesMarseille
In this question, it's important to understand exactly how Slack uses data for its models. If they do de-identify and aggregate data as they claim, then the risk of a privacy breach is lower. But you should still be vigilant. 🕵️♀️