Meta's Porn Problem: A Legal Battle Over AI Training

The Clash Begins

A huge fight is unfolding between two adult film companies and Meta. The companies allege that Meta took nearly 2,400 porn videos without permission, potentially using them to train their AI. Meta denies this, claiming the videos were downloaded for personal use—a defense that raises eyebrows.

Who downloads 2,400 videos for personal use?

The Lawsuit and the Stakes

The companies, Strike 3 and Counterlife, are suing Meta for $359 million, accusing the tech giant of copyright infringement. Meta counters that the companies lack sufficient evidence and argues that the number of downloads is too small to be for AI training.

Meta insists it looks more like personal use.

A History of Lawsuits

This isn't the first time Strike 3 has taken legal action. The company is known for suing over copyright infringement, even targeting its own fans. Multiple law firms exist to help defendants sued by Strike 3.

Meta's Unusual Defense

Meta's argument is unconventional. They admit that some employees may have downloaded porn at work—a surprising admission. However, they claim this is better than admitting they stole videos for AI training.

The Mysterious Case of the Contractor's Dad

The lawsuit even mentions a Meta contractor's father. His home IP address was linked to 97 downloads. Strike 3 argues this ties Meta to the downloads, while Meta claims it simply shows the dad enjoys porn and doesn't use a VPN.

Beyond Porn: AI Training and Copyright Law

This case is about more than just adult content. It highlights AI training practices and the legal battles surrounding data usage. The outcome could set a precedent for how companies handle copyrighted material in AI development.