Salesforce Blocks AI Access to Slack Data Amid New Customer Data Rules

Salesforce has blocked AI access for outside companies from using data from Slack, its workplace chat app. This update, reported by Yahoo Finance, means third-party software companies can no longer store or search through Slack messages. Salesforce recently changed its terms and conditions to protect how data is accessed and used on Slack.

These new rules are part of Salesforce’s effort to improve data privacy, especially as more people question how AI tools use private information.

Salesforce Sets Limits on Slack Data for AI Companies

In a statement shared on May 29, a Salesforce spokesperson 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.”

Before these changes, AI platforms like Glean could use Slack’s API to collect and store chat data. An API, or application programming interface, is what lets two software programs share information. This allowed AI tools to scan Slack messages and use them for tasks like search, analysis, or building company knowledge systems.

According to the company, it is “reinforcing safeguards around how data accessed via Slack APIs can be stored, used, and shared.” With this, AI tools can still look at Slack data briefly but cannot keep a copy or use it over time. This is meant to stop outside apps from building long-term tools with Slack data and to give Salesforce more control over user information.

This move is already affecting companies like Glean. According to a report by The Information, Glean sent an email to its users saying that it can no longer add Slack messages to its AI system. The company said this will “hamper your ability to use your data with your chosen enterprise AI platform.” In simple terms, customers can’t use their own Slack data in Glean the same way anymore.

Why Salesforce Is Blocking AI Access to Slack

Salesforce’s decision comes as AI tools face more questions about how they use customer data. Many people and organizations are now more aware of data privacy. Governments in several countries are also planning stricter rules to make sure data is used safely. Salesforce wants to show it cares about protecting customer information.

By blocking long-term access to Slack messages, Salesforce is likely trying to avoid any risk of private chats being misused. At the same time, it may also want to keep that data for its own AI tools. For example, Salesforce is building its own AI features inside Slack, like smart assistants and automated replies. Keeping exclusive access to the data gives Salesforce an advantage over other AI companies.

While this helps protect privacy, it also creates problems for smaller AI companies that use Slack data to power their tools. These companies will now have to find new ways to offer the same features, which may be harder and slower. Their tools might not work as well without Slack content, and users may need to do more work themselves.

In the bigger picture, Salesforce’s move shows how large tech companies are trying to control their data. It also highlights how important data privacy is becoming in the age of AI. As more companies compete to offer smart tools, having access to trusted and secure data will be key.