{
  "id": 1536056,
  "title": "Hidden Airtag reveals Amazon is trashing rare books to train AI",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/hidden-airtag-reveals-amazon-is-trashing-rare-books-to-train-ai",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-17T18:13:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ars Technica",
    "slug": "ars-technica",
    "url": "https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/08/hidden-airtag-reveals-amazon-is-trashing-rare-books-to-train-ai/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "Amazon’s team uses a T. rex preparing to devour a book as its logo.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ars Technica Policy",
        "title": "Hidden Airtag reveals Amazon is trashing rare books to train AI",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/hidden-airtag-reveals-amazon-is-trashing-rare-books-to-train-ai-1538965",
        "published": "2026-08-17T18:13:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}