Salesforce has made a bold move in enterprise AI by restricting third-party access to data from its Slack platform. Reports say Salesforce recently updated Slack’s terms of service to block external AI platforms from storing or indexing user messages. The Slack data restrictions apply even when end-users give consent, signaling tighter control over data used in AI model development. The policy change directly affects platforms like Glean, which depend on Slack data for AI-powered enterprise search and productivity tools.
This development reflects a growing trend among tech giants to guard proprietary datasets and signals Salesforce’s strategic intent to solidify its leadership in the rapidly evolving enterprise AI space.
Data Is the New Battleground for AI Supremacy
Slack, the popular workplace messaging platform owned by Salesforce, has implemented new restrictions that limit how third-party applications can access and retain user data. According to The Information, the platform has blocked external software providers from searching, storing, or indexing Slack messages through its API, regardless of user consent.
This change in regulation highlights the rising strategic value of enterprise communication data in building context-aware AI and training LLMs. Controlling proprietary datasets, especially rich sources like Slack’s, is becoming a key advantage as companies compete in enterprise AI development. Businesses increasingly view exclusive data access as essential to dominating the next generation of artificial intelligence tools and platforms.
By limiting external access, Salesforce strengthens its exclusive advantage from Slack data and blocks competitors from using it for innovation. This strategic move helps Salesforce maintain a unique position in enterprise AI while tightening control over valuable internal communication data. A company representative referenced a May 29 statement highlighting Salesforce’s commitment to privacy in the age of artificial intelligence.
The statement also acknowledged recent updates to Slack’s terms of service, aligning them with evolving data protection and AI policies. The statement said,
As AI raises critical considerations around how customer data is handled, we’re committed to delivering AI and data services in a way that’s thoughtful and transparent.
The new security rules specifically restrict how external apps use data accessed through Slack’s APIs, allowing only short-term access. Apps may access the data briefly but must delete it immediately after use to comply with Slack’s updated usage policies. Storing Slack data long-term or integrating it with other systems, such as knowledge graphs or search indexes, is now prohibited.
Changes to Slack’s API and Terms
Salesforce’s updated Slack API now bans external platforms from copying, storing, or indexing Slack messages for long-term use. The new rules permit only “temporary use and storage,” blocking third-party AI tools from building persistent knowledge bases or context graphs.
Tech companies now face increasing pressure to tighten control over personal and enterprise data used in training AI models. Critics argue that unrestricted data access invites misuse, particularly as the demand for powerful generative AI systems continues to grow.
According to reports, enterprise search provider Glean told users the policy changes would hinder integration of Slack data with AI tools. In a customer communication, Glean stated the move would significantly complicate how consumers use Slack data in enterprise AI systems. The company emphasized that users may struggle to apply their data within preferred platforms under Slack’s updated access restrictions.
Conclusion
Salesforce’s restriction on Slack data access represents more than a policy shift; it signals a strategic shift in platform behavior. Business platforms are adjusting to retain dominance as artificial intelligence reshapes corporate operations in an increasingly AI-first global environment. Those who control and protect private data streams may ultimately determine the future direction of enterprise intelligence and innovation.
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