Adobe Controversy and Trusting Vendors with Your Data

Internet commentators recently have been bristling recently over Adobe's changes to their terms of service. The debate is one example of many that has raised critical questions about how vendors use user data, particularly in the service of training AI.

For users of digital signature and electronic signature software, it is a matter of data and document privacy and control. It used to be that threats focused on the actions of fraudsters, hackers, phishers, and rogue insiders. Now the risk from vendors is to be added to that list. The difference is, this time, customers might inadvertently grant vendors access to their documents and data, unaware of what they agree to in their terms of service.

SIGNiX’s position in this regard is very clear. We take the privacy and security of our users' documents and data very seriously. We designed our products and services around the needs of regulated industries. As noted in the SIGNiX terms of service "SIGNiX does not review the contents of documents" and "You have exclusive control over and the responsibility for any User Data you submit to the Service".

For some Adobe users, which includes users of Adobe Acrobat Sign (a competitor of SIGNiX), things were less clear. They objected to seeing language that seemed to grant to Adobe sweeping rights to reproduce, distribute and sublicense user content, even though this was bracketed with various assurances and carve outs. While, as of June 18, 2024, the language has since been updated and is now clearer, some damage to user trust had already been done.

 SIGNiX prides itself on being a trusted partner for our clients, acting in their best interests. Please reach out to us if you have any questions, or to discuss switching to our secure and reliable digital signature services.