French Publishers Challenge Meta's AI Training Practices in Landmark Lawsuit
- paolo bibat
- Mar 21
- 2 min read
In a significant legal move, French publishers and authors have initiated a lawsuit against Meta, accusing the tech giant of unauthorized use of copyrighted works to train its artificial intelligence models.
The case, filed in a Paris court on March 12, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over AI training data and intellectual property rights.
Three prominent trade groups are spearheading the legal action: the National Publishing Union (SNE), the National Union of Authors and Composers (SNAC), and the Societe des Gens de Lettres (SGDL).
These organizations collectively represent a broad spectrum of the French literary and publishing industry, including book publishers, authors, playwrights, and composers.
At the heart of the lawsuit is the allegation that Meta has engaged in "massive use of copyrighted works without authorization" to develop its generative AI systems.
Vincent Montagne, president of the SNE, stated that numerous works from their members have been identified in Meta's data pool, raising serious concerns about copyright infringement.
The plaintiffs are demanding the complete removal of data directories that Meta allegedly created without proper authorization for AI training purposes.
They argue that this unauthorized use not only violates copyright laws but also constitutes "parasitism" of their intellectual property.
Beyond the immediate copyright concerns, the lawsuit also highlights fears about the potential impact of AI on the creative industry.
Francois Peyrony, president of SNAC, expressed worry about AI systems producing "fake books" that could compete with authentic works, potentially undermining the livelihoods of authors and the integrity of the publishing industry.
This legal action is set against the backdrop of the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, which mandates that generative AI systems comply with the bloc's copyright laws and maintain transparency regarding training materials.
As of March 21, 2025, Meta has not yet responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit. The case is expected to set a significant precedent in the ongoing global debate over AI training practices and could influence future regulations and industry standards.
