Tumblr and WordPress Consider Sharing User Data with AI Companies (OpenAI and Midjourney)

Popular blogging platforms Tumblr and WordPress, owned by Automattic, are reportedly in talks to sell user data to AI companies like OpenAI and Midjourney. This potential move has ignited concerns about user privacy and control over their online content.

While details remain hazy, initial reports suggest Automattic might share user-generated content to train these AI models. However, Automattic has since clarified that only public content from sites that have yet to opt-out will be involved. They emphasized that user privacy is a priority and that their partnerships will respect user opt-out preferences.

Despite these assurances, the initial reports highlighting the inclusion of potentially private data have left a mark. This incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding data privacy and ownership in the digital age. While offering an opt-out option is a step in the right direction, the lack of complete transparency regarding the specific data involved and its intended use is concerning.

This news follows a similar arrangement between Google and Reddit, further highlighting the trend of leveraging user data for AI development. However, such practices raise ethical questions. Users might not fully understand how their data is being used or with whom it is being shared, potentially leading to feelings of violation or lack of control.

As the situation develops, users of both platforms are encouraged to stay informed about their data privacy options. Carefully reviewing privacy settings and understanding how platforms collect and share user data is crucial in navigating the complexities of the online world.