The class-action lawsuit filed against Figma has reignited debates over companies using user data without consent and as a default setting to train artificial intelligence models. Filed in California in November 2025, the lawsuit centers not on copyright infringement, but on user consent and the quiet activation of user data for model training despite prior promises. The fact that tech giants such as Zoom, Slack, and Adobe have gone through similar controversies in the past demonstrates just how critical transparency and "default" policies are as elements of trust in digital product management.
Design Decisions and the "Default" Illusion
Crises related to artificial intelligence training processes in the tech world tend to follow a certain cycle. In the summer of 2023, Zoom updated its terms of service to claim rights to customer data for model training, followed in 2024 by Slack and Adobe automatically enrolling users into machine learning training, which triggered similar backlashes.
The common thread in these cases has been that users are typically notified through updates buried deep within privacy policies, and opt-out processes are intentionally complicated. In the Figma case, the controversy likewise revolves around a lack of transparency when design tools use user data to learn general patterns, alongside opt-in/opt-out preferences that vary depending on subscription tiers.
4 Critical Questions for Building Trust in Digital Products
To avoid a similar crisis of trust in the experiences they offer their users, design teams must answer four fundamental questions during product development:
- What is the stance on default settings? Does the system automatically enroll the user in data sharing or AI training (opt-out), or does it require explicit approval (opt-in)?
- Is the process transparent? Are AI training processes and data usage explained in language that users can easily access and understand?
- Is it easy to opt out? When users want to stop sharing their data, do they have practical, one-click access to settings, or does the process require complex bureaucratic steps (such as having to send an email)?
- Are experiences free of dark patterns? Does the system employ interface tricks that manipulate users or pressure them into giving consent?
Industry Implications and Key Considerations
The proliferation of AI tools and cloud-based software makes it imperative to redefine ethical standards regarding the processing of user data. Although "default" approaches that sideline user consent may expand data pools in the short term, they ultimately damage brand loyalty and user trust over the long haul. Digital product developers and design leaders must make consent mechanisms transparent and accessible to prevent future legal risks and safeguard user trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the primary focus of the lawsuit against Figma copyright infringement, or is there a different legal basis?
The lawsuit focuses on user consent and the fact that the company enabled model training by default despite its earlier commitments, rather than on copyright issues.
What practical steps should design and product teams take to increase user trust regarding AI data integration?
Teams should keep data sharing disabled by default (requiring opt-in) and provide clear interface controls that allow users to easily manage these preferences without complicated procedures.
*This report was prepared based on data published by UX Collective.
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