Title: Sarah Silverman, Christopher Golden, and Richard Kadrey File Lawsuit Against OpenAI and Meta Over Copyright Infringement by AI Models
In a consequential legal battle that could reshape the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI), well-known comedian Sarah Silverman has joined forces with authors Christopher Golden and Richard Kadrey to sue OpenAI and Meta. These organizations are facing allegations of copyright infringement related to their popular AI models, ChatGPT and LLaMA. The lawsuit claims that the AI models utilized illegally-acquired datasets from ‘shadow library’ websites, such as Bibliotok and Library Genesis, without permission.
The authors presented compelling evidence, exposing how ChatGPT could generate summaries of their works upon request. Examples included excerpts from Silverman’s Bedwetter, Golden’s Ararat, and Kadrey’s Sandman Slim. Shockingly, the programs failed to reproduce any of the copyright information provided by the authors with their published works.
Separately, the lawsuit against Meta asserts that the authors’ books were accessible within the datasets used to train their LLaMA AI Model. While Silverman, Golden, and Kadrey have yet to make official statements regarding the lawsuit, they are seeking restitution of profits, statutory damages, and more.
This high-profile case underscores the concerns within the writing community regarding intellectual ownership and AI models. Given the relative infancy of AI, comprehensive regulations have yet to be established to protect authors and their creative works. Consequently, these AI models have been trained on literary works without the necessary approval for such usage.
Similar controversies have arisen within the realm of visual art-based AI programs, exemplified by the legal action taken against Midjourney earlier this year. A group of artists initiated a class-action lawsuit, claiming their works were used without consent, proper compensation, or credit. Comparable to writing-based AI programs, image-generating AI programs create new artwork by combining pre-selected images.
Creatives across various industries have consistently opposed the utilization of AI, demanding, at the very least, fair compensation for the use of their work. Critics argue that only humans possess the understanding and connectivity to genuinely capture the complexities of the human experience through artistic expression.
The outcome of this landmark case could have far-reaching implications. Should the courts rule in favor of Silverman, Golden, and Kadrey, it could significantly impede the continued development of these AI models. Given the potential for AI to infringe upon labor rights in various industries, it is imperative to enact regulations and laws that protect creators and their intellectual property.
