The Big News: Bending Spoons Acquires WeTransfer
Bending Spoons is best known for developing consumer apps such as Splice (a video editor) and Remini (an AI photo enhancer). By taking over WeTransfer, it aimed to strengthen its position in the digital productivity space. However, the following months brought changes that shook user confidence.
The New Terms of Service & Their Reversal
In August 2024, WeTransfer quietly updated its terms of service. These terms allowed the platform to use uploaded files for “service development,” including machine learning. Unsurprisingly, the change triggered immediate backlash across the media and user community.
As criticism mounted, WeTransfer reacted quickly. By July 2025, the company revoked the clause and promised not to use files for AI training or other unintended purposes. This reversal restored the old policy, yet it also highlighted a worrying shift in corporate strategy.
Why Users Are Concerned
The cancellation reassured many, but the incident raised new concerns:
- Privacy risks: Even suggesting such a policy revealed that user files could be viewed as resources for corporate development.
- Eroded trust: Changing policies and then reversing them damages confidence. Users may now question how stable or transparent future updates will be.
- Compliance worries: Businesses under strict GDPR or confidentiality rules cannot ignore the risk of sudden policy changes.
Thus, although WeTransfer reversed its decision, the trust issue remains unresolved.
How These Changes Affect You
For personal users, the risks may seem minimal. Sending a few holiday photos or a portfolio file does not feel dangerous. Yet the lack of stability in WeTransfer’s terms should make everyone cautious.
For business users, the impact is more serious. Companies cannot afford sudden changes that threaten compliance or expose sensitive information. Even temporary uncertainty can create legal and reputational risks. Consequently, many organizations now reconsider their reliance on WeTransfer.
Bending Spoons’ Broader Strategy: A Pattern of Restructuring
The episode fits a wider pattern in Bending Spoons’ acquisitions. After acquiring WeTransfer, the company announced it would lay off 75% of the staff, restructuring the platform into a leaner operation.
This was not the first time. In 2023, Bending Spoons laid off 129 employees at Evernote soon after acquiring it. The same year, it dismissed the entire FiLMiC team and absorbed the product in-house.
Together, these decisions show a consistent strategy: cut costs, streamline operations, and focus on scalability. However, this approach often sacrifices user trust and organizational stability.
Safer, Privacy-First File Sharing Options
If these developments worry you, you are not alone. Many users now prefer services with transparent privacy practices and clear compliance guarantees.
One option is vBoxxCloud. Unlike WeTransfer, it provides:
- End-to-end encryption, so no one can access your files.
- GDPR-compliant EU hosting, guaranteeing data sovereignty.
- Transparent policies without hidden clauses.
- Predictable, affordable pricing.
For a broader comparison, see our guide to alternatives to WeTransfer.
Make an Informed Choice
The reversal of WeTransfer’s privacy changes avoided a worst-case scenario. Yet the event revealed much about the company’s new direction under Bending Spoons. Privacy, trust, and compliance are now in question.
To protect your data, you should:
- Regularly review WeTransfer’s policies.
- Consider alternatives designed for privacy and compliance.
- Choose providers that align with your long-term needs.
If you want peace of mind, start with vBoxxCloud and share files securely, confidently, and in full compliance. Discover our IT products designed to help your business grow, from secure email hosting to cloud backup solutions. If you’re unsure which option suits your needs best, our expert support team is always available to guide you.
