B.C. author sues tech giants for allegedly using Canadian books to train AI

A B.C. author has filed class-action lawsuits against NVIDIA and Meta for using Canadian writers' works without permission to train AI models. This raises key issues about copyright and authors' rights.

Categorized in: AI News Writers
Published on: Aug 01, 2025
B.C. author sues tech giants for allegedly using Canadian books to train AI

B.C. Author Initiates Class-Action Lawsuits Against Tech Giants Over AI Training Practices

A best-selling author from Vancouver has taken legal action against major technology companies, including NVIDIA and Meta, accusing them of using works by Canadian writers without permission to train artificial intelligence (AI) models.

The lawsuit, filed as a class action, claims that books authored by J.B. MacKinnon and others were incorporated into datasets that powered AI systems. These actions raise significant concerns about copyright infringement and the unauthorized use of creative content.

Why This Matters to Writers

For writers, the lawsuit highlights an urgent issue: the use of published works to train AI without consent or compensation. This practice could affect authors’ rights and income streams, especially as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent.

The case underscores the need for clear guidelines and protections around AI training datasets. Writers should stay informed about how their work may be used and consider strategies to protect their intellectual property.

Related Industry Discussions

  • Governments, including Ottawa, are reviewing plans on AI and copyright laws to address these emerging challenges.
  • Other creative professionals, such as musicians and visual artists, are also confronting similar issues with AI usage impacting royalties and artistic control.

What Writers Can Do Now

Understanding AI’s growing influence on creative industries is crucial. Writers can benefit from learning how AI tools work and the legal landscape surrounding their use.

Comprehensive training resources are available for those interested in acquiring AI-related skills or exploring how to safeguard their work. For practical courses and information on AI for creative professionals, visit Complete AI Training’s courses by job.

This lawsuit could set important precedents affecting rights and compensation in the digital age for writers and other creators.


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