Kansas Authors Fight Back as AI Trains on Stolen Books
Many authors, including bestselling Bryn Greenwood, discovered their books were used without consent to train AI models. This raises legal and cultural concerns about creative control and future storytelling.
AI Training on Stolen Books: What Writers Need to Know
For years, many authors have discovered that their books were used without permission to train artificial intelligence models. This practice involves tech companies secretly using pirated e-book collections to teach generative AI systems how to produce text, including chatbots like ChatGPT.
Bryn Greenwood, a bestselling author from Kansas, found out earlier this year that her novels were among those taken. Greenwood, known for her 2016 New York Times bestseller All the Ugly and Wonderful Things, described the discovery as a “gut punch.” Knowing her work was used without consent to program AI hit hard.
The Bigger Picture for Authors
Greenwood’s experience isn’t unique. According to Alex Reisner, a programmer and writer who exposed the scale of this issue in 2023, nearly every author with published work in the last two decades has had some part of their writing pirated for AI training.
Reisner’s research uncovered databases used by major companies like Meta (Facebook’s parent company), revealing that these massive stores of stolen books fuel AI development. This has sparked several class-action lawsuits against tech giants for copyright infringement, with notable figures like Sarah Silverman joining the legal battle.
Why This Matters to Writers
- Authors are losing control over their creations, which are used without payment or permission.
- AI-generated works trained on stolen content may compete directly with original books, potentially reducing sales and income.
- The practice raises concerns about the future of storytelling and the availability of original works for readers.
Greenwood expressed worry about the long-term consequences. She fears that without proper regulation, future generations might lose both the new stories writers could tell and the stories readers want to discover.
The Cultural Impact and Legal Outlook
Reisner points out that creators—writers, artists, musicians—are already sharing their work online less because of these concerns. This trend risks a chilling effect on culture and creative expression.
However, he notes that sweeping regulations on AI aren’t expected soon. Courts move slowly, and the technology itself is still developing, making it difficult to foresee all future uses.
For now, authors like Greenwood hope ongoing lawsuits will bring meaningful change and fair treatment for creative professionals.
What Writers Can Do
- Stay informed about legal developments related to AI and copyright.
- Consider joining or supporting collective efforts or organizations advocating for authors’ rights.
- Explore resources and training on AI’s impact on writing and publishing to better navigate this evolving landscape.
For those looking to understand AI tools and their effect on writing, Complete AI Training offers courses and resources that can help writers stay ahead.
