Salesforce blocks AI rivals from using Slack data, The Information reports

(Reuters) - Slack, a Salesforce-owned workplace messaging app, recently blocked other software firms from searching or storing Slack messages, The Information reported on Tuesday, citing a public disclosure.

 

A spokesperson for Salesforce said the company had recently made changes to its terms and services and directed Reuters to a May 29 statement on its website.

 

"As AI raises critical considerations around how customer data is handled, we’re committed to delivering AI and data services in a way that’s thoughtful and transparent," the spokesperson said.

 

Salesforce in its May statement said it was "reinforcing safeguards around how data accessed via Slack APIs can be stored, used, and shared." 

 

An API, or application programming interface, enables standardized communication, exchange of data and functionality between different software components or applications.

 

Since the Salesforce change, Glean and other applications can no longer index, copy or store the data they access via the Slack API on a long-term basis, The Information said.

 

Glean said the changes will prevent customers from adding Slack data to their Glean search index or knowledge graph, thereby "hampering your ability to use your data with your chosen enterprise AI platform," according to the report, which cited an email intended for Glean customers.

 

AI firms have come under increased scrutiny over their handling of personal and customer data for training AI models.

 

Glean did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for a comment. 

 

 (Reporting by Angela Christy in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Gursimran Kaur; Editing by Sonia Cheema)