VSCO Updates Its Policy to Explicitly State It Won’t Train AI on Your Photos
VSCO has revised its Terms of Use to include explicit language confirming that the company does not use member photos to train generative AI or machine learning models - and that it won't. The update follows a period of heightened scrutiny that began in May, when language in the platform's existing terms was flagged by users who felt it left the door open for that kind of data use.
The concern at the time centered on wording broad enough to be interpreted as granting VSCO a license to incorporate user content into AI development workflows. That ambiguity, even if unintended, landed the company alongside a number of other platforms facing similar backlash over terms that had not kept pace with growing public awareness of how AI training data is sourced.
VSCO's decision to revise the policy rather than simply issue a statement is notable. A formal terms update carries more weight than a blog post or public clarification, since it creates a documented and binding commitment to users. For photographers who rely on the platform to share and store their work, the distinction matters - there is a meaningful difference between a company saying it won't do something and writing that into the agreement that governs the relationship.
The episode reflects a broader pattern playing out across photo and creative platforms, where users are increasingly reading the fine print and pushing back when they find language they consider permissive around AI. Services that proactively address these concerns with clear, enforceable policy language may find it easier to retain the trust of professional and enthusiast photographers, a user base that has shown it is paying close attention.
