AI-Written Book Sparks Concerns Among Creatives

The emergence of AI-generated content has sparked considerable concern among creatives, and a recent experience exemplifies these anxieties. Following a friend’s gift of a purportedly “best-selling” book titled “Tech-Splaining for Dummies,” with my name and photo prominently displayed, I discovered that it was entirely produced by artificial intelligence using simple prompts supplied by my friend Janet. While the book offers humor and an interesting read, its repetitive nature and the inclusion of inaccuracies and fictitious elements, such as a fictional pet, raise questions about the implications of AI’s capabilities in creative areas.

My book, which originates from the AI service BookByAnyone, is one of many available that allow individuals to create personalized books. The CEO of the company, Adir Mashiach, indicates that since the company pivoted in June 2024 towards personalized AI books, they have sold approximately 150,000 copies, primarily in the US. The service presents a paperback version of the 240-page “bestseller” to customers for about £26, generated through their proprietary AI tools based on open-source models.

While my book was made as a joke, it brings to light a serious concern about the lack of barriers that allow anyone to potentially create works in another’s name, including for public figures. Although there are disclaimers that indicate this content is fictional and generated by AI, the surrounding legal framework presents challenges. The copyright of these books resides with the firm, and while intended as light-hearted gifts, this raises ethical questions regarding unauthorized use of individuals’ identities in creative works.

As a writer, the implications are daunting—AI can mimic my style convincingly and at an astonishing speed. This issue resonates with broader concerns from various creatives, including musicians and authors, who worry about their works being used to train AI systems without consent. According to Ed Newton Rex, founder of Fairly Trained, the crux of the issue lies in recognition and respect for human creators’ contributions to the development of generative AI tools.

The debate is intensifying, particularly following instances such as the viral propagation of an AI-generated song using the voices of well-known singers, which highlighted the potential for unauthorized exploitation. While Newton Rex acknowledges the potential of AI in creative fields, he advocates for establishing ethical boundaries, particularly regarding the consent of original creators.

In the UK, organizations such as the BBC have chosen to block AI developers from accessing their online content for training purposes, while others seek to work collaboratively with companies like OpenAI. The UK government is currently reconsidering laws governing the use of creators’ online content to help develop AI models without explicit opt-out options for rights holders, leading to significant criticism from creatives.

Baroness Kidron has expressed her strong opposition to potential changes in copyright law, arguing that the creative industries contribute significantly to the economy and should not be undermined. A spokesperson for the UK government asserts that changes will not be made without a solid plan that balances protections for creators with the industry’s growth goals.

In the U.S., discussions surrounding AI regulation are shifting, especially with the recent changes in administration. An executive order under President Biden aimed at regulating AI’s use was repealed, leaving future controls uncertain amidst ongoing lawsuits against AI firms by creators seeking redress for unauthorized content use. AI companies maintain that their practices fall under “fair use” guidelines, complicating the discourse further.

Additionally, the rapid rise of AI firms from countries like China poses further challenges for the American dominance in the sector, raising security and ethical concerns. The recent success of DeepSeek, an AI application, could disrupt existing paradigms and further complicate the dialogue around AI and copyright.

As an author reflecting on the state of AI-generated content, I realize that while I currently prefer to write my books personally, the rapid evolution of technology leaves me questioning how long my traditional approach will remain competitive. The AI-written “Tech-Splaining for Dummies” may demonstrate the tool’s current limitations in generating coherent, larger-scale projects, yet the pace of change could soon alter the landscape in ways I cannot anticipate.