Photoshop Users Raise Concerns Over New Terms of Use

Adobe Photoshop, a cornerstone in digital imaging software, has introduced significant updates to its terms of use with the 2024 release, stirring discussions and concerns among its vast user base. These changes have raised several critical questions regarding user rights, data handling, and the financial implications of new pricing models and features.

Understanding the New Terms

The recent update to Adobe Photoshop’s terms of use has encompassed several key areas:

1. Data Usage and Privacy: Adobe has refined its clauses on how user data is managed and utilized, especially concerning the outputs generated by its new AI-driven features like Generative Fill and Generative Expand. Users are concerned about the ownership and privacy of the content created using these advanced tools.
2. Software Licensing and Restrictions: There’s a clarification on the licensing terms, especially concerning the use of Photoshop across multiple devices and the restrictions on the commercial use of the generative features without additional purchases or credits.
3. Integration of AI Tools: The introduction of AI tools has been a highlight of the update, but it comes with its complexities. Users must now navigate the implications of using these tools, including potential additional costs if the usage exceeds the allotted generative credits provided in the subscription.

Financial Implications

Adobe has announced a price adjustment for its Creative Cloud subscriptions effective from November 2023. This adjustment includes an increase in monthly and annual subscription rates across various regions, including North America and Europe. The new pricing model also integrates “generative credits,” a new concept where users are allocated a certain number of credits each month for using AI features, with additional credits available for purchase​​.

User Reactions and Concerns

The response from the Photoshop community has been mixed, with many expressing concerns over the increased financial burden and the potential limitations these changes could impose on creative workflows. Users are particularly apprehensive about the need to purchase additional credits for high-resolution outputs and the implications for professional workflows that rely heavily on Photoshop’s capabilities​.

Adobe’s updates to Photoshop’s terms of use reflect a shift towards more integrated AI capabilities but also introduce new challenges and considerations for users. As the landscape of digital imaging continues to evolve, users must stay informed about these changes and understand their implications on both the creative and financial aspects of their work.