Slack, the widely used workplace messaging platform owned by Salesforce, has recently tightened its data access rules, effectively preventing external software firms from searching, storing, or indexing messages shared on the platform. The move, first reported by The Information and confirmed by a Salesforce spokesperson, reflects growing concerns around data privacy in the age of artificial intelligence.

The change stems from updated terms of service, published on May 29, which reinforce how Slack’s APIs—tools that allow third-party applications to access its data—can be used. According to Salesforce, the update aims to strengthen safeguards around customer data as AI becomes increasingly integrated into enterprise software.

Reinforcing Data Protection Standards

“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,” a Salesforce spokesperson said, referencing the May 29 disclosure. The company emphasized its commitment to responsible data usage and reinforced its stance that customer trust is paramount.

Slack’s API has long enabled third-party apps to access user content for integration purposes. However, under the revised rules, external applications like Glean can no longer store or index that data on a long-term basis. Instead, access will now be more tightly controlled and temporary, curbing how these apps can use Slack message data to power their own tools.

Impact on Enterprise AI Tools

This change significantly affects software providers like Glean, which offers enterprise search capabilities that rely heavily on integrating data from tools like Slack. According to The Information, Glean notified its customers that the new Slack policy will limit their ability to incorporate Slack content into their Glean search index or knowledge graph—key components used to improve search and AI-generated insights across company data.

In an email reportedly sent to its users, Glean said the restrictions “hamper your ability to use your data with your chosen enterprise AI platform.” The limitation may pose a setback for businesses that depend on combining Slack conversations with other internal data sources to improve productivity and collaboration.

Industry-Wide Implications

Salesforce’s decision marks a growing trend among tech companies tightening control over how their platforms’ data is accessed, especially as AI applications become more powerful and data-hungry. With generative AI tools increasingly being trained and informed by large datasets—including workplace conversations—regulators and companies alike are sounding alarms over potential misuse.

Slack’s move aligns with broader efforts by enterprise software firms to protect user data amid legal and ethical scrutiny. By limiting how external applications use their API, Salesforce aims to avoid scenarios where customer data might be exposed to AI models or data repositories without sufficient oversight.

This could set a precedent for other communication platforms to follow suit, particularly as competition intensifies in the AI-powered workplace tools market.

Balancing Innovation and Privacy

While the updated policy underscores Slack’s focus on responsible data handling, it also introduces friction for businesses that rely on aggregating information across platforms. Tools like Glean have been instrumental in helping companies unify data from emails, documents, chats, and cloud applications into cohesive knowledge graphs for enterprise AI.

Restricting access to Slack’s messages disrupts that flow, potentially weakening the effectiveness of such platforms. Critics argue that enterprises should have more flexibility in how they manage and analyze their own data, especially when they have already consented to integrations.

However, Salesforce maintains that these guardrails are necessary to ensure customers remain in control of their information, especially in light of AI’s rapid evolution.

What Comes Next?

As of now, Salesforce has not disclosed whether exceptions will be made for trusted partners or whether future changes to the policy are being considered. Companies impacted by the restrictions are likely to seek workarounds or lobby for clearer policies that balance innovation with privacy.

For now, the update signals a firm stance from Salesforce: third-party access to Slack data must be governed by stricter standards, especially as AI becomes deeply embedded in workplace tools.

Businesses using Slack alongside enterprise AI applications should review their current integrations and prepare for changes that may impact productivity or data workflows. In the coming months, more platforms may follow Salesforce’s lead—placing tighter controls on how external AI systems interact with sensitive enterprise data.