iFlytek revises AI input method terms after IP ownership backlash
iFlytek's AI Writing Assistant feature had terms of service that claimed ownership of user-generated output content, drawing public backlash. The company revised the terms on the same day to clarify that users retain ownership of content they create.
What happened
On March 12, 2025, a Chinese news outlet published an article questioning iFlytek's AI Writing Assistant terms of service, specifically Article 7 of the 'AI Writing Assistant Usage Rules,' which assigned intellectual property and ownership of user-generated output content to iFlytek and its affiliates.
iFlytek acknowledged the issue the same day and stated it had already identified the problem during earlier internal reviews. The company completed revised terms, updating Article 7 to clarify that ownership of output content belongs to the user or the person legally entitled to the intellectual property rights.
Reported impact
Users were potentially affected by terms that could have stripped ownership of their AI-generated content, though the impact was mitigated by iFlytek's swift revision.
Index analysis
The original terms contained language that could be characterized as an unfair contract clause, creating ambiguity over intellectual property attribution between users and the AI service provider.
Governance controls
iFlytek stated that users can now adjust authorization settings at any time and disable the 'User Experience Improvement Program' to prevent their input and output content from being used for service optimization.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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