Salesforce Blocks Third-Party Apps From Storing Slack Data Permanently

Enterprise software giant tightens grip on workplace chat data, forcing AI companies to adapt by end of May

Three Key Facts

• Salesforce has blocked third-party applications from storing Slack data long-term, with restrictions taking effect by May 29, forcing companies like Glean to halt their data indexing services
• The new terms of service allow apps to read Slack messages in real time but prohibit retention or copying in external databases, significantly limiting AI-powered enterprise tools
• This strategic move consolidates Salesforce’s control over conversational business data while restricting competitors’ ability to develop comparable enterprise AI solutions

Introduction

Salesforce has taken decisive action to restrict how third-party companies access and store data from Slack, effectively cutting off software firms like Glean from their previous integration capabilities. The enterprise software giant updated its terms of service to prevent external applications from retaining Slack messages in their databases, marking a significant shift in data access policies.

This development represents more than a simple policy change. It signals Salesforce’s strategic effort to consolidate control over its data ecosystem while positioning itself advantageously in the competitive enterprise AI market.

Key Developments

The restrictions fundamentally alter how third-party applications interact with Slack’s messaging platform. Apps can still read messages in real time through Slack’s API, but they cannot store, index, or copy this data for long-term use in external systems.

Salesforce framed these changes as a response to growing concerns about data privacy and AI usage. A company spokesperson stated that “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.”

The timing of these restrictions, implemented by May 29, has immediate consequences for companies that built their services around Slack data integration. Glean, which previously offered search and data management features for Slack users, warned customers in an email that the restrictions will “hamper your ability to use your data with your chosen enterprise AI platform.”

Market Impact

The policy changes create significant challenges for enterprise AI firms that depend on Slack data for their functionality. Companies like Glean can no longer add Slack conversations to their search indexes or knowledge graphs, potentially limiting their competitive position in the market.

Enterprise customers face reduced flexibility in choosing AI tools for their Slack data. The restrictions force businesses to rely more heavily on Salesforce’s own AI offerings rather than selecting best-in-class third-party solutions that previously integrated seamlessly with Slack.

Industry analysts interpret this move as part of a broader competitive strategy. By limiting external access to conversational business data, Salesforce strengthens its position in developing proprietary AI and analytics products while creating barriers for competitors.

Strategic Insights

Salesforce’s approach reflects a calculated effort to embed Slack more deeply into its core CRM platform. The company is integrating Slack conversations directly with Salesforce records and AI-powered features, creating a unified ecosystem that keeps users within its software environment.

This integration strategy extends to products like Tableau Next, which brings data insights directly into Slack workflows. By consolidating these capabilities, Salesforce reduces customer incentives to seek external solutions for their collaboration and data analysis needs.

The restrictions also serve Salesforce’s AI development ambitions. Controlling access to vast amounts of conversational business data provides the company with proprietary training material for machine learning tools that competitors cannot easily replicate.

Expert Opinions and Data

According to The Information, the restrictions have sparked significant discussion within the tech community about balancing data protection with application functionality. Reporters Kevin McLaughlin and Stephanie Palazzolo note that these changes could particularly harm rival enterprise AI firms due to their dependency on Slack data indexing capabilities.

Industry observers view the move as both a privacy measure and a competitive tactic. The restrictions arrive at a time when AI companies face increased scrutiny over their handling of personal and customer data for training purposes.

A Salesforce spokesperson emphasized the company’s reinforcement of “safeguards around how data accessed via Slack APIs can be stored, used, and shared.” These safeguards represent a fundamental shift in how third-party developers can build value-added services on top of Slack’s platform.

The broader context includes intensifying competition in the enterprise software market, where access to user data increasingly determines competitive advantage. Companies that control data sources gain significant leverage in developing AI-powered features and services.

Summary

Salesforce’s new restrictions on Slack data access represent a strategic consolidation of control over its platform ecosystem. The policy changes block third-party applications from storing Slack messages while enabling Salesforce to develop proprietary AI tools using this conversational data.

The restrictions create immediate challenges for enterprise AI firms like Glean while reducing customer flexibility in choosing data analysis tools. This development highlights the ongoing tension between platform owners and third-party developers in the competitive enterprise software landscape.