Amazon publishing limits seek to prevent rise of AI-generated books

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Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has rolled out new guidelines on its Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) platform in a preemptive measure against the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) generated books.

In its recent update, the company confirmed that it will reduce the volume limits on new title creations to prevent abuse, noting that only a handful of publishers will be affected by the new policy.

Amazon’s update did not disclose how it determines which publishers will be affected by the limit but says impacted publishers “will be notified and have the option to seek an exception.” Despite the fears of AI-generated books flooding the KDP platform, Amazon clarifies that it is yet to see a spike in publishing numbers, noting that the decision is a proactive step.

All publishers are expected to disclose whether a book contains AI-generated content or not, as stated in a separate update. The disclosure requirement extends to text, images, or translations using AI, with the company clarifying that AI-assisted content does not come under the requirements.

“We define AI-generated content as text, images, or translations created by an AI-based tool,” read the update. “If you used an AI-based tool to create the actual content [whether text, images, or translations], it is considered ‘AI-generated,’ even if you applied substantial edits afterwards.”

Amazon stated via the update that using AI to brainstorm or generate ideas does not constitute AI-generated if the text or images were made by human effort. The company confirmed that it will continue to list AI-generated books on its KDP platform but will impose limits and takedown books that fall below its standards.

“While we allow AI-generated content, we will reject or remove AI-generated content that we determine creates a disappointing customer experience,” said Amazon spokesperson Ashley Vanicek.

The firm adds that AI-generated books that infringe on proprietary rights will be removed. In contrast, books with offensive content will be eliminated from the platform. The new updates come on the heels of a fiasco involving AI-generated books listed on the platforms, posing to be written by Jane Friedman.

Requests by Friedman to Amazon to take down the book proved unsuccessful, with the firm claiming that the author did not own the trademark to her name. However, after the U.S. Authors Guild waded in, Amazon took down the books to support Friedman’s claim against the company.

Fiction authors kick against AI developers

Fiction writers under the aegis of the Authors Guild have instituted a new class-action lawsuit against OpenAI, makers of ChatGPT, over the indiscriminate use of copyrighted material to train its AI models.

The authors, including John Grisham and George R.R. Martin, argue that the abuse of existing copyright rules puts authors’ earnings at risk. The Guild seeks compensation for the violations, claiming the case result will positively affect other writing genres facing the same AI risks.

“These algorithms are at the heart of Defendants’ massive commercial enterprise. And at the heart of these algorithms is systematic theft on a mass scale,” read the filing.

Global regulators are inching toward establishing uniform rules for AI and other emerging technologies, driven by the need to promote safe usage for consumers and prevent misuse by bad actors.

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