São Paulo court provisionally bars Meta from using journalism without authorization

On November 3, a São Paulo court ruled at first instance and on a provisional basis that Meta may not collect or use journalistic content without authorization, including to develop and train artificial intelligence systems. The measure follows a lawsuit by the Associação Nacional de Jornais (ANJ), the Associação Brasileira de Emissoras de Rádio e Televisão (Abert) and the Associação Nacional de Editores de Revistas (Aner), and protects material from outlets affiliated with the groups. Meta said it would not comment on the decision.

The case broadened the discussion over who controls and is paid for works used in AI. The Federação Nacional dos Jornalistas (Fenaj) says it is unaware of an established mechanism ensuring professionals are consulted or directly share in compensation from such agreements. In Congress, Bill 2.338/2023, approved by the Senate and under review in the Chamber of Deputies, provides for payment to rights holders of protected works used to train and develop AI systems.