10K Authors Publish Protest 'Empty' Book Against AI Firms

Is AI training on copyrighted works theft that destroys creative industries or innovation enabled by fair licensing?

Published 2 days ago

10K Authors Publish Protest 'Empty' Book Against AI Firms

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The Spin

Pro-government narrative

A new opt-in collective licensing scheme offers publishers and authors a practical way to share in AI's value while providing developers with lawful access to training material. This voluntary framework extends the U.K.'s proven licensing model and ensures fair compensation without blocking innovation. Publishers of all sizes can participate in the emerging AI market through transparent agreements.

Publishers' Licensing Services Computing.co.uk

Government-critical narrative

AI companies are building billion-dollar empires by stealing copyrighted works without permission or payment, robbing authors of their livelihoods while generative AI directly competes with the creators it exploits. The U.K. must reject any copyright exception that legalizes this theft and protect the nation's creative industries. Unchecked AI will leave writers unable to pay bills and readers deprived of future books they'll love.

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Metaculus Prediction

There's a 19% chance that the U.S. will enact an AI safety federal statute or executive order in 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.