French Publishers and Authors Sue Meta Over AI Copyright Violations
French publishers and authors have filed a lawsuit against Meta, accusing the company of using their copyrighted works without permission to train its artificial intelligence model.
Three trade groups launched legal action in a Paris court, alleging Meta engaged in the "massive use of copyrighted works without authorisation" for its generative AI model.
The National Publishing Union, which represents book publishers, stated that numerous works from its members have appeared in Meta’s data pool. Vincent Montagne, the group's president, criticised Meta for "noncompliance with copyright and parasitism."
The National Union of Authors and Composers, representing 700 writers, playwrights, and composers, said the lawsuit aims to protect members from AI that "plunders their works and cultural heritage to train itself." The union also raised concerns about AI-generated "fake books" competing with real books, according to its president, François Peyrony.
The Société des Gens de Lettres, which represents authors, is also part of the lawsuit. The groups are demanding the "complete removal" of data directories Meta created without authorisation to train its AI model.
Under the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act, generative AI systems must comply with the bloc’s copyright laws and disclose the materials used for training.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between the creative and publishing industries and technology companies over data and copyright.
Last month, British musicians released a silent album to protest proposed changes to the United Kingdom’s artificial intelligence laws, which they fear could weaken their creative control.
In the United States, media and technology company Thomson Reuters recently won a legal battle against a now-defunct legal research firm over AI-related copyright issues. Other cases involving visual artists, news organisations, and other industries are still progressing through U.S. courts.
French publishers and authors sued Meta for allegedly using copyrighted works without permission.
Three trade groups filed the lawsuit in a Paris court.
The plaintiffs demand Meta remove unauthorised data directories used for AI training.
Source: AP NEWS