Meta Platforms, Inc ., the corporate parent of Facebook and Instagram, has come under intensified scrutiny . Recent news reports indicate that Litchat illegally accessed millions of these pirated books and research papers from the LibGen database to train its generative AI system, Llama. That’s why when The Atlantic magazine recently published a deep dive investigation showing repeated unauthorized use of copyrighted materials , it made headlines. This concern has spurred intense pushback from authors and scholars alike.
LibGen, or Library Genesis, is a shadowy but highly popular online database. It serves as a gateway to perhaps the largest online repository of stolen digital books and academic articles. This new database, created to accompany the exhibit, includes over 20 academic papers and books authored or co-authored by Claire Allan. It features her entire creative output. It features productions of work from many of their most well-known literary figures. Featured in this issue are Gerry Adams, Jan Carson, Lynne Graham, Deric Henderson, and Anna Burns.
Of these intriguing discoveries, perhaps the most significant are Gerry Adams’ “The Interest” and “Impossible Monsters”—both recently uploaded to LibGen. Adams was appalled to discover after the fact that Meta had used his work without permission. In a time when copyright infringement worries are on the rise, the consequences of this unauthorized use are significant.
The database contains 20+ scholarly works by Professor Monica McWilliams. Her scholarly work on IPV and domestic violence against women in war has been groundbreaking. McWilliams raised her concerns about the ethics of utilizing copyrighted materials without obtaining permission.
“The first principle in the academic world is that you direct your reader to your source material, and that isn’t happening here.” – Prof Monica McWilliams
Meta’s recent use of LibGen to train its new Llama AI system has generated significant controversy among authors. This tool is less known than OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Many others believe their intellectual property rights have been infringed upon. Several high-profile authors, including Kate Mosse, Richard Osman, and Val McDermid, have signed an open letter urging the Culture Secretary to summon Meta’s management to parliament for accountability.
Northern Irish author Glenn Patterson warned of this alarming consequence.
“If royalties are not being paid for the work to be used, then ultimately it is the charities that will lose out.” – Glenn Patterson
He spoke to the promise of AI. He argued that these benefits should not come at the expense of authors’ rights.
“We are, of course, all conscious of the supposed benefits of, and there may be many… of AI. But you cannot, in achieving those benefits… act as Meta has done in this instance.” – Glenn Patterson
Former BTA Executive Director Claire Allan shared her profound sadness. She made it clear that the blatant violation of her 20 years of hard work is a deep insult to her labors as a writer.
“The sum of 20 years work being used to train AI. It’s just really disheartening to see.” – Claire Allan
Allan criticized Meta’s actions as potentially the “single greatest and the most lucrative act of theft in history,” highlighting the broader implications for authorship and creativity in the digital age.
That’s the thing, though—LibGen’s rampant ubiquity makes it way harder on authors. Above all, it raises important and pressing questions about what the future of copyright—and more broadly, intellectual property—should look like in today’s increasingly digitized society.
“Copyright law is not complicated at all. If you want to use an author’s work you need to ask for permission.” – Richard Osman
Final take … Prof Monica McWilliams, one of our panellists, made a vital observation about what copyright intersects with in the modern world.
The larger outrage over Meta’s use of LibGen is growing. Authors are just as concerned about their IP rights being violated. It isn’t enough that most writers are struggling to earn a living wage from their art. Unauthorized copy can carry heavy economic penalties for them.
“It begs the question of what does copyright even mean anymore.” – Prof Monica McWilliams
As this develops, federal and state regulators will no doubt consider how to respond to these claims. We’re hopeful that this case means Meta will be held accountable for its behavior. From author to scholar, academics are advocating more protection from copyright infringement for their works.
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how regulatory bodies will respond to these allegations and whether Meta will face consequences for its actions. Authors and academics alike are calling for stricter enforcement of copyright laws to protect their contributions from misuse.