French publishers and authors sue Meta over AI training copyright
Three French publishing and authors' associations filed a lawsuit against Meta in a Paris court on 12 March 2025, alleging the company used copyrighted works without permission to train its generative AI model. The groups claim Meta engaged in "massive use of copyrighted works without authorisation" and demand complete removal of unauthorized data used for training.
What happened
Three French trade groups filed a lawsuit against Meta in a Paris court on 12 March 2025, accusing the company of using copyrighted works without permission to train its generative AI model.
The National Publishing Union noted that 'numerous works' from its members are appearing in Meta's data pool. The National Union of Authors and Composers, representing 700 writers, playwrights and composers, and the Societe des Gens de Lettres, representing authors, joined the action.
Reported impact
The National Union of Authors and Composers expressed concern about AI systems that produce 'fake books' which compete with real books, and about AI that 'plunders their works and cultural heritage to train itself'.
All three groups demand the 'complete removal' of data directories Meta created without authorisation to train its AI model.
Index analysis
Meta has deployed generative-AI powered chatbot assistants on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp platforms. Under the European Union's Artificial Intelligence Act, generative AI systems must comply with copyright law and be transparent about training material.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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