VIKKI PATIS

This is a template to assist in writing to your MP about the recent news that Meta allegedly used pirated material to train its AI, as reported by The Atlantic. It is written from the perspective of an affected author, but it can be used by anyone if edited accordingly.

The ALCS also have a template and tool to contact your MP about works being exploited to train AI, as does the Creative Rights in AI Coalition.

To find your MP’s details, visit They Work For You.

To read the open letter, click here.

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Dear [MP name],

I’m writing to draw to your attention the recent news, revealed by The Atlantic on 20th March [link to article], that Meta allegedly used millions of pirated books to train its AI.

As an author in your constituency whose books are present on the list of pirated material, I’m calling for your support in holding Meta to account for this unlawful use.

In response to the recent government consultation on the use of AI, unions, organisations, and individuals have already been calling upon the government to protect the creative industries against unfair use. However, let me be clear: this is no longer a discussion about whether AI should be supported. This is a legal issue pertaining to the use of unlawfully downloaded material which cannot be removed from AI systems once it has been used.

The Society of Authors, The Writers Guild of Great Britain, and The Authors Guild in the US have today released statements condemning these actions and lobbying for compensation to the rights holders of the works Meta has been exploiting. There is also an open letter currently circulating amongst authors in response to this news [link to letter], which is quickly gathering signatures.

With author earnings at an all time low, it is reprehensible that multi-billion dollar companies could profit from the theft of our work. The creative industries generate vast amounts of money for the UK economy — to the tune of £115.9–132.1 billion in GVA according to the Society of Authors — while these companies often pay an effective tax rate far below the standard thresholds, despite Meta having a market capitalisation of £1.163 trillion.

We need our MPs to stand up for us as creatives and constituents, to commit to protecting our moral rights by upholding and strengthening copyright law, and advocate for adequate compensation, explicit consent, and transparency where copyrighted material is used. Will you confirm your support?

I’d be happy to discuss this further via email, telephone/video call, or face to face at a mutually convenient time.

Signed,
[name]
[address] [contact details]