The Explanation
Mar 27, 2025
A new lawsuit has intensified scrutiny over whether artificial intelligence models are being trained using pirated books. Authors and publishers are reacting to claims that Meta used books from Library Genesis, a well-known piracy site, without permission. Alex Reisner, Data Journalist at The Atlantic, built a tool enabling authors to check if their books were included in the dataset. Rosie Wilby, comedian and author, found her work listed and raised concerns over consent and fair compensation. Catriona MacLeod Stevenson, General Counsel and Deputy CEO at the Publishers Association, outlines the legal response and calls for greater transparency in AI training practices.
Journalists in Turkey have been detained following widespread protests triggered by the arrest of a political opponent of President Erdoğan. Selin Girit, Correspondent at the BBC World Service, explains the environment facing journalists, including government control of around 90% of the media and previous intimidation of foreign reporters.
Attention has turned to the use of encrypted messaging app Signal after a surprising error saw Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg added to a White House group chat about planned US strikes in Yemen. James Ball, Political Editor of The New European, explains the implications of the leak, the rise of Signal among journalists, and the motivations of its founder, Moxie Marlinspike.
Presenters: Katie Razzall and Ros Atkins Producer: Lucy Wai Assistant Producers: Flora McWilliam and Elena Angelides
The President's Path: The US-Saudi nuclear deal
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann discuss what we know about the US-Saudi Arabia nuclear deal, the implications for the fragile balance of power in the Middle East, and the fact that Israel could now make or break the agreement.
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at: [email protected]
The President's Path: Trump accuses China of US election 'meddling'
Sumi Somaskanda, Caitríona Perry and Bernd Debusmann give their immediate reaction straight after Trump's primetime address, discussing the president's claims of Chinese interference in the 2020 election, the political response, and what the speech could mean for the upcoming midterm elections.
Every weekend, The President’s Path explores the state of US politics — in Washington and beyond. We dig into the key issues shaping America and uncover what’s on the minds of those closest to power. You can contact us at [email protected]
