Hidden Airtag reveals Amazon is trashing rare books to train AI
Amazon’s team uses a T. rex preparing to devour a book as its logo.
In recent months, publishers have been suspecting that artificial intelligence companies are purchasing vast quantities of rare books, subsequently destroying them to scan and train AI models. This speculation remained unverified until 404 Media reported on a hidden Airtag in a rare book, indicating that Amazon may be one of the companies involved in this alleged practice.
The Airtag was traced to an Amazon AI training facility in Las Vegas where a team was reportedly dismantling books and scanning pages. The team’s warehouse bore a logo featuring a Tyrannosaurus rex menacing a book, an image that 404 Media documented. Despite growing criticism over the detrimental impact of book scanning, Amazon remained silent on the matter, issuing a generic statement to Ars Technica, avoiding any direct reference to AI training.
Written by urgent.news from Ars Technica's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Hidden Airtag reveals Amazon is trashing rare books to train AI arstechnica.com
