Photobucket
Photobucket is an image and video hosting website founded in 2003. It is estimated that around 2% of American internet traffic passes through the website.[1]
Anti-consumer practices[edit | edit source]
Biometric data selling[edit | edit source]
On July 22nd, 2024, Photobucket updates its terms of service to allow user biometric data such as facial features, iris, retina, finger or handprints and voice to be sold to third parties for the purpose of AI training. The policy is opt-in by default, meaning users are automatically included in the policy unless they state they manually choose to opt-out.[2]
According to the policy, "Opting out requires account deletion"[2] meaning users must delete their accounts to prevent their biometric data from being included in these transactions. Deleting your account after use does not guarantee that they will be able to recall your data, but they will stop selling it.
Scope of Use[edit | edit source]
- Primary Use: The stated purpose is AI and ML training.
- Additional Uses Permitted: The policy allows for "subsequent uses derived therefrom," indicating that once the data is used for AI training, it may also be utilized for other purposes.
- No Explicit Restrictions Beyond AI Training: While AI training is specified as an intended application, the policy does not impose a hard limitation on how biometric data or its derivatives may be used commercially.
In summary, the policy enables Photobucket and third parties to use biometric data primarily for AI training but does not restrict them from applying it to other commercial uses beyond that purpose.