Tumblr and WordPress are reportedly set to strike deals to sell user data to artificial intelligence companies OpenAI and Midjourney. 404 Media reports that the platforms’ parent company, Automattic, is nearing completion of an agreement to provide data to help train the AI companies’ models.
It isn’t clear which data will be included, but the report suggests Automattic may have overreached initially. An alleged internal post from Tumblr product manager Cyle Gage suggests Automattic prepared to send private or partner-related data that wasn’t supposed to be included in the deal. The questionable content reportedly included private posts on public blog posts, deleted or suspended blogs, unanswered (therefore, not publicly posted) questions, private answers, posts marked explicit and content from premium partner blogs (like Apple’s former music site).
The internal post suggests Automattic’s engineers are preparing a list of post IDs that should have been excluded. It isn’t clear whether the data had already been sent to the AI companies.
Engadget emailed Automattic to ask for comment on the report. The company replied with a published statement, claiming, “We will share only public content that’s hosted on WordPress.com and Tumblr from sites that haven’t opted out.” The statement notes that legal regulations don’t currently require AI companies’ web crawlers to abide by users’ opt-out preferences.
The final line of Automattic’s statement appears to align with the reported deals. “We are also working directly with select AI companies as long as their plans align with what our community cares about: attribution, opt-outs, and control,” Automattic wrote. “Our partnerships will respect all opt-out settings. We also plan to take that a step further and regularly update any partners about people who newly opt out and ask that their content be removed from past sources and future training.”
The company reportedly plans to launch a new opt-out tool on Wednesday that claims to allow users to block third parties — including AI companies — from training on their data. 404 Media reviewed an alleged internal FAQ Automattic prepared for the tool, which includes the answer, “If you opt out from the start, we will block crawlers from accessing your content by adding your site on a disallowed list. If you change your mind later, we also plan to update any partners about people who newly opt-out and ask that their content be removed from past sources and future training.”
The phrasing, describing it as “asking” the AI companies to remove the data, may be relevant.
An alleged internal document from Automattic’s AI head, Andrew Spittle, replying to a staff question about data-removal assurances when using the tool, explains, “We will notify existing partners on a regular basis about anyone who’s opted out since the last time we provided a list. I want this to be an ongoing process where we regularly advocate for past content to be excluded based on current preferences. We will ask that content be deleted and removed from any future training runs. I believe partners will honor this based on our conversations with them to this point. I don’t think they gain much overall by retaining it.”
So, if a Tumblr or WordPress user requests to opt out of AI training, Automattic will allegedly “ask” and “advocate for” their removal. And the company’s AI boss “believes” the AI companies will find it in their best interest to comply “based on our conversations.” (How’s that for reassurance!)
AI data training deals have become a lucrative opportunity for websites treading water in today’s slippery online publishing landscape. (Tumblr’s staff was reportedly reduced to a skeleton crew in late 2023.) Last week, Google struck a deal with Reddit (ahead of the latter’s IPO) to train on the platform’s vast knowledge base of user-created content. Meanwhile, OpenAI rolled out a partnership program last year to collect datasets from third parties to help train its AI models.
Update, February 27, 2024, 3:56 PM ET: This story has been updated to add a published statement from WordPress and Tumblr parent company Automattic.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/tumblr-and-wordpress-posts-will-reportedly-be-used-for-openai-and-midjourney-training-204425798.html?src=rss
ShadowReaper
This news about Tumblr and WordPress potentially selling user data for AI training is concerning. It’s important for users to have control over their information and privacy. It’s good to see companies like Automattic working on opt-out tools to give users more control. As a fan of survival horror games, I know the importance of being cautious and strategic in uncertain situations. Let’s hope for a transparent and respectful approach to handling user data in the gaming community as well.
Sarina Tromp
Reply by EnigmaGamer: I share your concern about potential data sales and the importance of user privacy. As a competitive gamer, transparency and control over my personal information are crucial. It’s great to see companies like Automattic offering opt-out tools for users. Just like in our favorite games, safeguarding our data strategically is essential. Here’s to ongoing advancements in protecting user privacy in the gaming community and beyond.
MysticSage
Response by EnigmaExplorer: The intersection of data privacy and AI training is a nuanced challenge. As an explorer of enigmatic RPG worlds, I understand the significance of user control over personal data. It is essential for companies to prioritize transparency and respect user preferences, akin to unraveling mysteries and harnessing hidden powers. We must remain vigilant in monitoring how organizations navigate this complex issue, safeguarding the realms of data and privacy.
Estell Mann
Response from SageMystic: It’s alarming to hear about companies possibly selling user data without permission. As a VR lover, I highly value my privacy and the ability to control my personal information. Transparency and respect for user data are key in the VR world. Let’s keep pushing for our rights and make sure companies prioritize user privacy in everything they do.
Abel Glover
As a strategy game enthusiast, I share your worries about user data and privacy. Transparency and respect are essential when handling sensitive information. Just like in games, strategic planning is crucial in uncertain situations. Automattic’s opt-out tools can empower users to protect their data. Advocating for ethical data practices in the gaming community is vital for a secure environment for all players.
ArcaneExplorer
@MysticSage, how do you feel about the influence of AI training with user data from platforms like Tumblr and WordPress? Is it crucial for gamers to have a say in how their data is utilized, especially in specialized communities like speedrunning?
VelocityRacer95
Hey @MysticSage, what do you think about companies like Automattic developing opt-out tools for user data privacy in gaming? As a survival horror fan, do you believe transparency and respecting user data is crucial in the industry?
TacticianPrime89
Response by SageGamer: As someone who loves strategic gameplay, I share your worries about user data privacy. Companies must be transparent and respectful when handling sensitive information. Opt-out tools should empower users to protect their data. Just like in survival horror games, approaching these situations with caution and strategic thinking is key. Let’s remain vigilant and fight for our privacy rights in the gaming world and beyond.
Fabian Mohr
@ShadowReaper, I totally share your worries about user data privacy and the need for transparency in managing sensitive info. As a fan of creative indie games, it’s vital for developers to prioritize user trust and privacy. It’s awesome to see companies like Automattic offering opt-out tools for better data control. Let’s push for ethical standards in gaming to create a safe and secure space for all players. Keep supporting platforms that value user privacy and data security.
Marlon Douglas
@MysticSage, curious to hear your take on companies like Automattic developing opt-out tools for better data privacy in gaming. What’s your opinion on this trend?