Generative AI startup Anthropic has updated its commercial terms of service, pledging not to use client data for training large language models (LLMs) and committing to protecting customers from copyright infringement claims. The company, led by ex-OpenAI researchers, clarified that its commercial customers own all outputs from using its AI models, and Anthropic does not anticipate obtaining any rights to customer content. The updated terms state that Anthropic will support customers facing copyright claims arising from the authorized use of its services or outputs. The company promises to pay for any approved settlements or judgments resulting from its AI's infringements.


Key Points:

  • Updated Terms: Anthropic, a generative AI startup, has revised its commercial terms of service to clarify its position on client data use, copyright protection, and ownership of outputs.

  • Customer Ownership: The updated terms state that Anthropic's commercial customers own all outputs from using its AI models, and the company does not anticipate obtaining any rights to customer content.

  • Copyright Protection: Anthropic commits to protecting customers from copyright infringement claims arising from the authorized use of its services or outputs. The company pledges to pay for any approved settlements or judgments resulting from its AI's infringements.

  • Legal Protection Pledge: Anthropic's legal protection pledge includes covering costs associated with copyright claims and settlements. It aims to provide customers with increased protection and peace of mind.

  • Application to the Claude API: The updated terms apply to customers using the Claude API and those accessing Claude through Bedrock, Amazon's generative AI development suite.

  • Similar Commitments by Others: In the latter half of 2023, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google pledged to support customers facing legal issues due to copyright claims related to the use of their technologies.

  • Copyright Lawsuit Against Anthropic AI: Universal Music Group sued Anthropic AI in October 2023 over copyright infringements, alleging unauthorized use of copyrighted works, including lyrics to musical compositions.

  • Other Legal Actions: Author Julian Sancton is suing OpenAI and Microsoft for allegedly using his work without authorization to train AI models, including ChatGPT.

Conclusion: Anthropic, a generative AI startup, has updated its commercial terms of service to reinforce its commitment to client data privacy, customer ownership of outputs, and protection from copyright infringement claims. The company promises not to use client data for training large language models (LLMs) and pledges to support customers facing copyright issues, covering costs associated with claims and settlements. This commitment aligns with similar pledges made by other AI companies, including OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google, to address legal concerns related to copyright claims arising from the use of their technologies. Anthropic aims to provide customers with increased protection and peace of mind through these updated terms.


(AMAKA NWAOKOCHA, COINTELEGRAPH, 2023)