Conservative activist Robby Starbuck has filed suit against Meta Platforms Inc., alleging the company's artificial intelligence chatbot generated and spread false and defamatory information about him. The lawsuit claims the AI linked Starbuck to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and the QAnon conspiracy theory.
Starbuck became aware of the alleged defamation in August 2024 when Meta AI outputs about him began circulating. The chatbot reportedly claimed Starbuck was present at the Capitol on January 6, participated in the riot, and faced related charges. It also stated he was linked to QAnon. Starbuck maintains he was in Tennessee on January 6 and has publicly criticized QAnon.
According to the complaint, Starbuck attempted to notify Meta and its legal counsel about the false information over several months. The suit alleges that Meta's attempts to address the issue were insufficient and that the AI continued to produce incorrect statements.
The complaint claims the problem worsened, with a Meta AI voice feature later alleging Starbuck promoted Holocaust denial and that authorities should consider removing his parental rights due to being a threat to his children.
Meta executive Joel Kaplan publicly apologized to Starbuck on X regarding the AI's responses. Kaplan stated the outputs were unacceptable and not how their AI should operate.
He added he was working to understand how the issue occurred and find solutions. You can read more about the Meta executive's apology here.Starbuck, known as a conservative influencer and former House candidate seeking a House seat, called the apology from Kaplan inadequate. He has stated he wants an apology from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, changes to the AI systems, and compensation for damages.
The lawsuit claims the false statements caused substantial harm to Starbuck, including reputational damage, business losses, and even death threats directed at him and his family. He alleges the AI's output potentially influenced third-party reports used by businesses. Details from the lawsuit complaint outline the false claims and alleged impacts.
The suit, seeking millions in damages, raises questions about liability for generative AI output. Legal experts note uncertainty regarding whether a 1996 law known as Section 230 applies to AI-generated content.
Meta's AI chatbot currently declines to provide information about Starbuck in text responses. You can try the Meta AI chatbot online.
The lawsuit was reportedly first filed in Delaware Superior Court.
In a statement, Robby Starbuck said, "At the end of the day these lies harmed me, my wife and my kids. This put them in danger. I want to ensure that never happens to anyone else no matter what their political beliefs are."