# Meta ordered to reveal staff who approved torrent downloads for AI training

> A court ruling requires Meta to identify the employees who authorized the use of pirated data for early Llama model training.

Oossa · 2026-10-20 · https://oossa.com/en/meta-ordered-to-reveal-staff-who-approved-torrent-downloads-for-ai-training

A judge has ordered Meta to name the staff members who approved torrenting of copyrighted works for AI training. The request focuses on who made or authorized the decision to obtain the data, not just senior executives. Meta says early AI projects like Llama 1 and 2 used an informal approach before later adding formal review steps. The company has not yet provided the names, and lawyers for Meta and Entrepreneur Media declined comment.

## The facts

- The ruling was reported on Oct 20 2026.
- Meta’s early AI models Llama 1 and Llama 2 are mentioned as the projects involved.

## Why it matters

Identifying the decision‑makers could clarify responsibility for using pirated data, affecting future legal and compliance practices at Meta.

## Sources & references

1. [Meta tries to scapegoat staff who downloaded torrents to spare execs](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/10/meta-ordered-to-name-execs-who-approved-torrenting-for-ai-training/) – Ars Technica, 2026-10-20

Last updated: 2026-10-20