Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is set to be deposed as part of a significant lawsuit filed by a group of authors, including comedian Sarah Silverman.
Authors Accuse Meta of Copyright Infringement in AI Development
The authors allege that Meta improperly used their copyrighted books to develop its artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The lawsuit, which was initiated last year in a federal court in California, claims that Meta unlawfully downloaded digital versions of the authors' books. According to the authors, these works were used without consent or payment to improve Meta's AI systems.
The authors argue that this constitutes a violation of copyright laws, which protect the rights of creators over their original works.
On Tuesday, US District Judge Thomas Hixson made a key ruling regarding the case. He dismissed Meta's attempt to prevent Zuckerberg from being questioned under oath, stating there was enough evidence to show he is the "principal decision maker" for the company's AI platforms.
The decision means that Zuckerberg will have to answer questions about his role in the development of the AI technology that allegedly used the authors' works.
Meta argued that Zuckerberg does not have personal knowledge of the company's AI operations and that similar information could be obtained from other employees. However, Judge Hixson noted that the authors presented proof of Zuckerberg's direct involvement in the company's AI projects and oversight of its AI offerings, according to AP News.
The lawsuit has attracted attention not only because of the high-profile nature of the authors involved but also due to the implications it holds for the tech industry. Other notable figures in the lawsuit include writer Ta-Nehisi Coates and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, both of whom have joined Silverman in seeking justice for the unauthorized use of their work.
Renowned attorney David Boies, known for his role in high-profile cases such as representing Al Gore during the 2000 presidential election, has entered the case to represent the authors. His involvement adds weight to the legal team, which is now better equipped to challenge Meta's practices in court.
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Growing Legal Concerns Over AI Copyright Violations
The legal action against Meta is part of a larger trend, with various lawsuits being filed against multiple AI companies, including Microsoft and OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT.
Many copyright holders, including authors, artists, and music publishers, are concerned that their works are being used without their consent to train AI systems.
These creators argue that this practice infringes on their rights and that technology firms are relying on the copyright doctrine of fair use as a defense, which could set a concerning precedent for the industry.
US District Judge Vince Chhabria is overseeing the Meta case. He has expressed concerns about the management of the case by the authors' lead attorney, Joseph Saveri, and emphasized the need for a well-structured legal team, said Reuters.
As a result, Boies and his colleagues from Boies Schiller Flexner have joined the authors' legal team to ensure that the case is handled effectively.
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