John Nielsen, Director of Online Visibility and tech entrepreneur, advises artists to be extra careful before using the file sharing service.

"WeTransfer has clarified that users' files are not used for AI training. But there is still a concern about how broad a licence an artist gives in the new terms," he says.
 

Take your precautions

In WeTransfer's new terms, section 6.3, the user grants a royalty-free licence for WeTransfer to Operate, develop and improve the service. What does this mean for music artists who share their files?

"Always check two things before you share works: What can the service use your content to; and how does it handle your personal data", says John Nielsen.

"Although WeTransfer has denied that users' files are used for AI training, they still grant the service a broad licence. I would still recommend artists to be cautious with such licences; instead, choose solutions where the data direction is crystal clear and where you can control access, expiration and password yourself," he adds.

He is not alone in this view. The Rights Alliance's Thomas Heldrup, who handles cases of infringement of rights to music, among other things, emphasises the importance of making sure you know who your files end up with:

"We have cases where content has been shared with too many people and where music is leaked without the artists' consent. I advise that you consider who you give access to your material - including the service you use - so you don't end up with your content being used for AI training, for example," he says.

A safer alternative

As an alternative to WeTransfer, John Nielsen, Director of Online Visibility, recommends the SwissTransfer service:

"The service does not use data to power AI or target adverts and files are permanently deleted after expiration. Their data is stored in Switzerland under FADP and GDPR. So it's a sensible choice," he says.  

He also provides a short list of things you can do to optimise your data security:  

  • Use password on shares; set expiry cards; limit number of downloads. 
  • Send only what is necessary; avoid raw masters if you don't have an explicit agreement. 
  • Save proof of sharing and receipt; it facilitates dialogue when in doubt. 
  • Preferably use services with servers in the EU or Switzerland; it simplifies legalities and supervision.
     

You can read more about SwissTransfer's data storage her.

WeTransfer's terms of use came into effect on 8 August 2025 for existing users. You can read the terms and conditions here.