Amazon Buying Rare Books for AI Training, Destroying Originals, Investigation Finds
A 404 Media investigation reveals that Amazon is purchasing rare books in large quantities, digitizing their content for AI training, and subsequently disposing of the physical copies. This process involves the destruction of unique or limited editions once they have been scanned. Although the digitized text aids AI models, the original books are permanently removed, prompting worries about the safeguarding of cultural heritage. The investigation did not specify particular titles, the number of books involved, or the overall extent of this operation.
Key facts
- Amazon acquires rare books in bulk.
- The books are digitized to feed AI training pipelines.
- Physical copies are discarded after digitization.
- The information comes from a 404 Media investigation.
- The practice involves destruction of rare physical copies.
- Specific titles and quantities were not disclosed.
Entities
Institutions
- Amazon
- 404 Media
Sources
- Quartz —