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£22.99A technology company, Meta, has come under fire for allegedly accessing books from authors like former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams without permission to train their artificial intelligence model, Llama. The investigation revealed that Meta may have used millions of pirated books and research papers from LibGen – Library Genesis. Adams has stated that the matter is now with his solicitor, emphasizing that his work had been used without his consent. Meta, on the other hand, maintains that their use of information to train AI models is in agreement with existing laws.
The Atlantic magazine uncovered the extent of the piracy by LibGen, leading to authors worldwide discovering if their works were featured on the site through a published database. Notably, authors from Northern Ireland, such as Jan Carson, Lynne Graham, Deric Henderson, and Booker prize winner Anna Burns, found their works listed. This revelation prompted authors globally to push for government intervention as Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, faces legal challenges from multiple authors regarding the unauthorized use of their content.
Historian Michael Taylor expressed his frustration at Meta’s apparent use of his work without permission, stating that writers invest significant time and effort into their books but often struggle to make a living solely from their writing. Meta’s actions, according to Taylor, amount to the most significant act of theft in history due to the exploitation of thousands of copyrighted books for financial gain. The controversy surrounding Meta’s practices has sparked outrage among authors and creatives who are demanding accountability and fair compensation for their work.
Academic and former politician Prof Monica McWilliams voiced her shock upon discovering that more than 20 of her academic papers and books were part of the pirated database. She emphasized the importance of respecting copyright laws in the academic world and highlighted the potential impact on charities that rely on royalties from her work. Authors, including high-profile figures like Kate Mosse, Richard Osman, and Val McDermid, have united in protesting Meta’s actions and calling for government intervention. The ongoing debate raises questions about the balance between technological advancements and the protection of intellectual property rights in creative industries
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