Meta Faces Backlash Over Alleged Use Of Adult Films In Ai Training

A Controversial Accusation Hits Meta

In an unusual twist for the tech world, Meta is embroiled in a lawsuit that accuses it of using adult films to train its AI models. The lawsuit, filed by adult film studio Strike 3 Holdings, alleges that Meta illegally downloaded nearly 2,400 copyrighted videos through BitTorrent. According to Strike 3, these films were used to train Meta’s AI offerings, including the video tool Movie Gen and the LLaMA language model.

Strike 3 is demanding a hefty $350 million in damages, claiming that Meta developed a "stealth network" of over 2,500 hidden IP addresses to execute these downloads. However, Meta has called these accusations "nonsensical and unsupported," arguing that the timeline proposed by the studio doesn't align with its AI research activities, which it claims only began intensifying in 2022.

Meta's Firm Denial

Meta stands firm in its denial, dismissing the allegations as baseless. The tech giant argues that there is no factual evidence linking the downloads to AI model training. Moreover, Meta emphasizes the low number of downloads cited – around 22 adult videos annually – as indicative of individual actions rather than a systematic effort.

“The far more plausible inference… is that disparate individuals downloaded adult videos for personal use,” Meta stated.

Adding to its defense, Meta states that monitoring every download on its vast internal network would be "extraordinarily complex and invasive." The company also pointedly questioned Strike 3’s motive, highlighting the studio's history of mass lawsuits aimed at prompt settlements.

On the Frontlines of AI Content Control

This lawsuit hits Meta at a time when its AI content policies are under the microscope. A recent Reuters report stirred controversy by revealing that some Meta AI chatbots were engaging in inappropriate interactions, including romantic chats with minors and providing false medical advice. In response, Meta has pledged to update its AI safety guidelines.

The outcome of this legal battle could further shape the discourse on AI training practices and copyright, particularly if the court rules favorably for Meta as it did in a recent copyright case involving books. All eyes are now on the court as Strike 3 has two weeks to respond to Meta’s motion to dismiss.