Generative AI: European publishing bodies call for transparency
In a joint effort to safeguard democracy and protect the integrity of the book chain, leading literary and publishing organisations in Europe are urging the European Union to take immediate action to ensure the transparency of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). The European Writers’ Council (EWC), the Federation of European Publishers (FEP), and the European and […]
Black to the Future festival: a journey into Afrofuturism
In the world of literature, cinema, and art, Afrofuturism has emerged as a powerful and visionary movement, offering a glimpse into a future seen through a Black lens. “Black to the Future” (BttF) is a groundbreaking festival of outstanding Black artists, a creative space where visionary imaginings can thrive. This event, curated, founded, and directed […]
AI’s unauthorised use of authors’ work sparks call for licences
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and creativity, the question of authorship and fair compensation has become increasingly complex. The Authors Guild, a prominent organisation representing writers, has been at the forefront of a battle for authors’ rights. In collaboration with congressional leaders, they have been working to devise measures aimed at safeguarding the rights […]
Wales Millennium Centre faces backlash over AI comic course
The Wales Millennium Centre, a renowned arts venue in Cardiff, UK, recently found itself in the middle of a social media storm after announcing a new course aimed at helping aspiring creators craft their first comic or graphic novel using artificial intelligence (AI). The initiative sparked a fierce backlash, with critics arguing that the national […]
Likewise: Bill Gates-backed Pix AI chatbot recommends books
Likewise, the company renowned for its adept app-based recommendations for books, films, and more, has introduced Pix, an AI chatbot tailored to the world of entertainment. Developed through a strategic blend of Likewise’s proprietary customer data and technology from OpenAI, Pix is designed to offer personalised entertainment suggestions and address queries via text messages, emails, […]
Spotify audiobooks: a challenge to the publishing world
In a surprising move earlier this month, Spotify expanded its premium subscription offerings to include hundreds of audiobooks. From contemporary releases like Safiya Sinclair’s “How to Say Babylon: A Memoir” to internet sensations such as Jennette McCurdy’s “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” this development has sparked excitement among audio-bibliophiles. However, as Spotify dives headfirst into […]
Dutch ‘Amazon’ Bol.com ‘flooded with AI-generated books’
Bol.com, one of the Netherlands’ leading online marketplaces, is currently inundated with a vast array of books created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), reveals recent research conducted by BNR. From comprehensive Bangkok travel guides to specialised sugar-free diet cookbooks, Bol.com’s digital shelves are teeming with AI-generated literary offerings. These titles, available in both […]
Watermarking in books: can AI bypass filters?
With the proliferation of AI-generated content, the need to distinguish genuine books from AI-created fabrications has never been more pressing. Recent strides in generative AI models have prompted researchers to explore innovative techniques for identifying AI-generated images and texts, with watermarking emerging as a promising approach. However, a groundbreaking study led by computer science professor […]
Rory Cellan-Jones calls Amazon AI-generated bio ‘utter tosh’
A growing number of authors are discovering that their hard-earned literary works are being replicated by artificial intelligence (AI) and sold on the world’s largest e-commerce platform, Amazon. Writer and journalist Rory Cellan-Jones recently had an unnerving experience when he stumbled upon a memoir on Amazon, a memoir he had co-authored, complete with a cover […]
Jane Austen Meta AI: celebrities used in social interactions
In a frankly bizarre yet groundbreaking move, Meta has recently unveiled a revolutionary addition to its family of apps and devices – a cast of 28 unique artificial intelligences that you can now message on Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. These AIs, each with their own distinct interests and personalities, are set to deepen the way […]