{
  "id": 127329,
  "title": "AI Is the New Book Burning",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/ai-is-the-new-book-burning",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-04T10:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hyperallergic",
    "slug": "hyperallergic",
    "url": "https://hyperallergic.com/ai-is-the-new-book-burning/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Anthropic, a tech company, has been accused of \"AI is the new book burning\" by author and bibliophile Ed Simon. The company scanned and destroyed out-of-print books to train its large language models, an act of \"artistic plunder\" that erodes our humanity. This revelation highlights the potential future where artificial intelligence dominates, while physical libraries struggle for survival.\n\nIn a contrasting note of hope, Pittsburgh has seen an unexpected display of creativity through its psychedelic pickleball courts. Designed by Sharmistha Ray, the murals add vibrancy to a recreational space, showcasing the power of public art.\n\nOn a somber note, Francisco Correa Cordero, the co-founder of the Lubov gallery in New York, passed away at 37. Additionally, allegations of abuse against Jeffrey Epstein at the Eric Carle Museum have surfaced, with staff pushing for unionization due to poor working conditions.\n\nThe Eric Carle Museum's staff are also grappling with the staff shortage, lack of promotions, and poor working conditions. Meanwhile, the art world continues to evolve, as seen in Ellen Pau's video art exhibition, where water's changing states serve as a metaphor for Hong Kong's evolution. In a commentary piece, Sandy Sanders reflects on the impact of government management on public libraries, arguing that they are being de-intellectualized and stripped of their intellectual value, transforming them into superficial \"community centers\" more focused on gimmicks than serving the public.",
  "summary": "Humanity at stake in Anthropic’s mass book destruction, remembering gallerist Francisco Correa Cordero, pickleball murals in Pittsburgh, and more.",
  "key_points": [
    "Anthropic accused of \"AI is the new book burning\" for scanning and destroying out-of-print books",
    "Pittsburgh's psychedelic pickleball courts add vibrancy to public recreational spaces",
    "Co-founder of Lubov gallery in New York passes away at 37"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}