Did you know this?
WeTransfer is widely used to send large files quickly, often by professionals and creatives who rely on the platform to transfer sensitive, proprietary, or original content. But buried in the terms most users never read is a clause that quietly gives WeTransfer sweeping rights over your content. If you have ever uploaded intellectual property to the platform, you have likely handed over a lot more than you realized.
According to their license terms, once you use their service, you grant WeTransfer a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable license to use your content. That includes rights to reproduce, distribute, modify, prepare derivative works, broadcast, publicly display, and perform your content. In plain terms, they can do almost anything with what you upload, with zero obligation to inform you or pay you.
This is not just about sending files. This is about content ownership and commercial usage. While you technically retain IP rights, WeTransfer legally gets the ability to leverage your material for operating, developing, and commercializing their services. That includes improving machine learning models, possibly using your data as training material.
There is no ambiguity in the language. The clause states clearly that you are not entitled to any compensation. That means even if your content is used in a way that creates commercial value for the company, you receive nothing from it.
Most users skip over this because no one reads terms and conditions carefully. That is the real risk. In the rush to get work done, we trade control for convenience without understanding the long-term consequences. This is not about paranoia. This is about legal awareness. When you upload original music, artwork, presentations, or manuscripts, you need to know what rights you are handing over.
Data is the new currency. If you are a creator, entrepreneur, or dealing with proprietary material, read the fine print. Know what you are agreeing to. What you ignore can cost you more than you imagine.
Stay Aware, Stay Safe!
Jai Hind!