Slack Restricts Data Access to Boost Privacy and Fuel AI Ambitions

Salesforce-owned Slack has tightened data access rules, blocking third-party software providers from searching or permanently storing Slack messages—even with customer consent—according to a report by The Information. The move aims to strengthen data privacy, only permitting temporary storage of customer data, which must be deleted afterward.

This policy shift highlights Salesforce's broader strategy to safeguard user information while possibly positioning itself to leverage Slack data for internal AI development. According to the report, Salesforce may be eyeing this rich communication dataset to enhance its generative AI capabilities and create new machine learning-driven products.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has made clear moves in recent years to evolve the company beyond its cloud computing roots. The tech giant has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence, aiming to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting technology landscape dominated by data-driven innovation.

The crackdown on Slack data access also reflects growing industry concerns about how AI firms use personal and corporate data. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and public awareness around AI model training practices, companies like Salesforce are under pressure to implement stricter privacy safeguards.

Salesforce has not yet responded to requests for comment, and the details reported by The Information remain unconfirmed by Reuters.

By limiting third-party access, Salesforce could be securing a competitive edge—controlling both data and its application in future AI tools—while addressing rising concerns over data misuse and privacy. This decision underscores a broader trend among tech companies to prioritize proprietary data use in the race to lead AI innovation.