OpenAI, xAI, and Google are embroiled in a lawsuit filed by journalists alleging that these AI giants trained their large language models using pirated books. The suit, led by reputable investigative journalist John Carreyrou and other writers, emphasizes “deliberate copyright infringement,” claiming unauthorized copying of vast amounts of copyrighted material from shadow libraries like LibGen and Z-Library. The complaint accuses these companies of leveraging stolen books to enhance commercial AI development, impacting numerous authors, including notable Pulitzer Prize winners. This case marks the first time xAI is named as a defendant, diverging from a class-action approach as plaintiffs seek full restitution for author rights. The lawsuit underscores the urgent need for transparency in AI training datasets and raises critical questions regarding the ethical use of data. Ultimately, this legal action may catalyze a shift toward licensed, open-access data practices within the AI industry, prioritizing copyright compliance and author rights.
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