Lightroom app update wipes users' photos and presets, Adobe says not recoverable (petapixel.com)

Article summary

An update to Adobe's Lightroom app for iPhone and iPad has deleted users' photos and presets that were not synced to the cloud, with Adobe confirming that the lost data is not recoverable. The issue was first reported on the Photoshop feedback forums and has since been acknowledged by Adobe, who have released a new version of the app to prevent further data loss. The incident has sparked discussion about the importance of backing up data and the reliability of cloud-based services. Adobe has apologized for the issue, but some users are seeking more substantial action.

Main themes

• Data loss and recovery
• Cloud-based services
• Software reliability and security
• User responsibility and backup
• Adobe and Lightroom
• Software development priorities
• Proprietary formats and data export
• Liability and compensation

What commenters say

• Some users argue that Adobe's negligence in deleting user data warrants legal action and compensation for damages.
• Others believe that software licenses and disclaimers protect companies like Adobe from liability, and that users should take responsibility for backing up their own data.
• The importance of data backup and security is a major concern, with some arguing that users should not rely solely on cloud-based services to store their data.
• There is disagreement over whether the pursuit of new features and updates in software development should take precedence over robustness and reliability.
• Some commenters suggest that the market prioritizes flashy new features over stability and security, and that this approach is flawed.
• Others argue that users who prioritize data security and reliability should be willing to pay more for software that guarantees these features.
• The use of proprietary formats and cloud-based services can make it difficult for users to export and backup their data, adding to the risk of data loss.
• Some users feel that companies like Adobe are not taking sufficient responsibility for protecting user data and preventing losses like this from happening in the future.