Adobe Terminates Access To Creative Cloud In Russia, Aids Ukraine Recovery

Photo 182767667 © Michael Vi | Dreamstime.com

There’s been a compounding fear of deepfakes and photo edits one day being weaponized, and with Russia now being at war with Ukraine, the risks are far too great to ignore.

Being on the frontier of graphic creation and editing technology, Adobe’s suite can either be used for goodwill (raising awareness and sending support) or for harm (manipulating perceptions and inciting division).

To prevent bad actors from airbrushing the truth about what’s happening in Ukraine, the company is now stopping all new sales of products and services in Russia, as well as removing access to Creative Cloud, Document Cloud, and Experience Cloud from Russian state-owned media outlets.

In his announcement, Adobe CEO and president Shantanu Narayen cited the unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine for the decision in blocking Soviet access to the company’s AI-powered suite.

“Over the past several days, we have continued to witness unprovoked, violent attacks on Ukraine and the tragic loss of innocent lives. The images are horrifying and heartbreaking,” Narayen wrote. “As we see this tragedy unfold, we believe we have a responsibility to ensure our products and services are not used in support of this unlawful war.”

The indefinite pause for all new sales will be “effective immediately,” Adobe’s president confirmed.

Narayen elaborated that the move comes in compliance with government sanctions currently being imposed on Russia by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom “to ensure Adobe’s products and services are not being used by prohibited entities."

“In addition, we are terminating access to Adobe Creative Cloud, Adobe Document Cloud, and Adobe Experience Cloud to Russian government-controlled media outlets,” he proclaimed.

During this troubling time, Adobe says it is working to ensure the health and safety of employees. Any donations made by workers to help those affected by the crisis in Ukraine will also be matched by the firm.

On a grander scale, the Adobe Foundation has committed over US$1 million in grants for humanitarian aid in Ukraine, which will include coverage for medical assistance, along with resettlement and transportation for families escaping the country and relocating in neighboring countries.

Keeping true to its creative core, part of Adobe’s donation will also support organizations that are helping journalists and photojournalists on the ground “as part of our commitment to fighting misinformation.”

“We understand there is only so much one company can do to impact an unjustified invasion,” said Narayen. “But we also understand our civic and moral responsibility to support democracy and humanity. We are committed to doing everything we can to stand in support of those directly affected and with our entire Adobe community.”

Adobe is far from the only creative technology company that is throwing support for Ukraine. Within the nation, homegrown brands Ubisoft, Depositphotos, and Reface have tapped into their tools to raise awareness about the dire predicament and to express solidarity with anyone suffering as a result of the attacks.

[via PetaPixel and Adobe, cover photo 182767667 © Michael Vi | Dreamstime.com]