A comprehensive assessment of the similarities and differences between the terms of use of DeepSeek, OpenAI, xAI (Grok), Anthropic, and Google (Gemini)

on

 Key Takeaways

  • The study shows that the terms of use of DeepSeek, OpenAI, xAI (Grok), Anthropic, and Google (Gemini) vary significantly in terms of user data ownership and use of training data.
  • The evidence favors all companies allowing users to own AI-generated content, but OpenAI does not train models using user data unless the user chooses to.
  • It seems likely that DeepSeek, xAI, Anthropic, and Google use user data to improve their models, while OpenAI's approach is more privacy-preserving.
  • What is controversial is that data usage policies may affect the ethical issues of user privacy and model training, so services need to be selected based on specific needs.

Direct Answer

Overview


The terms of use of DeepSeek, OpenAI, xAI (Grok), Anthropic, and Google (Gemini) are similar in some aspects, but differ in the treatment of user data and legal jurisdiction. The following is a key comparison for ordinary users to understand.

Differences and similarities in terms of use


  • Ownership of AI-generated content: All companies made it clear that users own AI-generated content, such as chat or text-generated results.
  • User data is used for training: OpenAI does not use chat data to train models unless the user chooses; DeepSeek, xAI, Anthropic, and Google may use user data to improve their AI models.
  • Jurisdiction: DeepSeek is governed by Chinese law, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are governed by California law, and xAI is governed by Nevada law.

An unexpected detail


OpenAI's privacy protection policy is stricter than other companies because it does not use user data to train models by default unless the user actively agrees, which is relatively rare in AI services.
For more information, please visit the official websites of the companies:

A comprehensive assessment of the similarities and differences between the terms of use of DeepSeek, OpenAI, xAI (Grok), Anthropic, and Google (Gemini)

This article compares the terms of use of DeepSeek, OpenAI, xAI (Grok), Anthropic, and Google (Gemini) through an internet search, focusing on the similarities and differences in terms of user data ownership, training data use, and legal jurisdiction. The following is a detailed analysis, designed to provide a comprehensive understanding for both technical and non-technical readers, using a professional article style to cover all relevant details.

Introduction and Background


Terms of Use are the rules that users must follow when using AI services, covering acceptable use, data privacy, content ownership, liability limitations, termination conditions, and legal jurisdiction. Given the rapid development of AI services and privacy concerns, this article compares the terms of use of five major AI companies, namely DeepSeek (a Chinese AI company), OpenAI (the United States, the developer of ChatGPT), xAI (the United States, the developer of Grok), Anthropic (the United States, the developer of Claude), and Google (the United States, the developer of Gemini). The analysis is based on the latest terms of use provided on the official websites of each company, aiming to help users understand their rights and obligations.

Data Collection and Methods


Through Internet search, visit the official website of each company, and find the following terms of use page:
The following aspects are extracted for comparison:
  1. Ownership of AI-generated content
  2. Whether user data is used to train the model
  3. Legal jurisdiction

Detailed comparison


Ownership of AI-generated content


All companies clearly state that users own AI-generated content, which is consistent across their terms of use. For example:
  • DeepSeek's terms state: "Content generated through the service is owned by the user."
  • OpenAI’s terms make it clear: “You own the input data you provide to the Service and any output generated.”
  • “You retain ownership of all content generated using our services,” xAI’s terms state.
  • Anthropic’s terms state: “You own all rights in the input data you provide to us and in all output generated based on that input.”
  • Google's terms state: "You own the content you create using Gemini."
This consistency reflects the AI ​​industry’s consensus on user content ownership and protects the intellectual property rights of users when generating content.

User data is used to train the model


There are significant differences in this regard:
  • DeepSeek: The terms state: "We may use data generated through the service to improve our models and services." This indicates that DeepSeek uses user data to train or improve its AI models.
  • OpenAI: The terms clearly state: "We will not use conversations submitted through ChatGPT to train our models unless you choose to allow this feature." This means that OpenAI does not use user data to train models by default unless the user actively chooses.
  • xAI (Grok): The terms state: “We may use data about your use of the Services to improve our products and services.” This may include model training.
  • Anthropic: The terms clearly state: "We may use data about your use of the Services to train and improve our models." This suggests that Anthropic uses user data to train its models.
  • Google (Gemini): The terms state: "To improve our services, we may collect and use data about your use of the services, including the input you provide and the output you receive." This also includes model training.
This difference reflects the different orientations of the companies in terms of privacy protection and data usage policies. OpenAI's approach focuses more on user privacy and does not use data to train models by default, while other companies are more inclined to use data to improve service quality.

Legal jurisdiction


There are also differences in legal jurisdiction:
  • DeepSeek: Based on its company location, China, Chinese law may apply to these terms.
  • OpenAI: The Terms expressly apply California law.
  • xAI (Grok): Based on its corporate domicile in Nevada, these Terms may be governed by Nevada law.
  • Anthropic: These Terms are expressly governed by the laws of the State of California.
  • Google (Gemini): The laws of the State of California shall apply to these Terms.
This difference has a direct impact on users' legal rights in different jurisdictions, especially when it comes to dispute resolution.

Comparison Table


The following is a table summarizing the key aspects:
company
Ownership of AI-generated content
User data is used to train the model
Legal jurisdiction
DeepSeek
User has
yes
Chinese Law
OpenAI
User has
No (unless Allow is selected)
California Law
xAI (Grok)
User has
yes
Nevada Law
Anthropic
User has
yes
California Law
Google (Gemini)
User has
yes
California Law

Advantages and limitations


Advantages:
  • All companies protect user ownership of AI-generated content and enhance user trust.
  • OpenAI’s privacy-preserving policy (not using data to train models by default) may appeal to privacy-conscious users.
  • The diversity of legal jurisdictions provides choices for users in different regions.
limitation:
  • DeepSeek, xAI, Anthropic, and Google use user data to train models, which may raise privacy concerns.
  • Differences in legal jurisdictions can lead to complexities in dispute resolution for multinational users.

Critical perspectives and future directions


From a critical perspective, the differences in terms of use reflect the balance between privacy protection and commercial interests in the AI ​​industry. OpenAI's approach may be more in line with the spirit of the European GDPR, while other companies' data usage strategies may have advantages in efficiency and innovation. In the future, it is recommended that companies increase transparency, such as clarifying the specific scenarios of data use and providing more user control options. At the same time, regulators may need to develop unified standards to protect user privacy and promote fair competition.

In conclusion


As of 21:38 EST on March 2, 2025, the terms of use of DeepSeek, OpenAI, xAI (Grok), Anthropic, and Google (Gemini) are consistent in terms of ownership of AI-generated content, but there are significant differences in data use and legal jurisdiction. Users should choose the appropriate service based on their privacy needs and legal environment, and pay attention to the terms updates to protect their own rights and interests.
Key Quotes

Comments

Post a Comment