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● TRACKER Updated 26d ago · 5 sources tracked

Hidden AirTag appears to confirm suspicions about illicit AI book scanning

A hidden AirTag has revealed a secret Amazon site where old books are cut apart and scanned to train AI. This appears to confirm suspicions about Amazon's involvement in illicit AI book scanning. The site is reportedly used to destroy rare books for AI training.

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  • ✓ Amazon is using a secret site to destroy rare books for AI training.
  • ✓ Second-hand book sales are booming.
  • ✓ AI companies are buying and destroying antique books for training data.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 5 independent reporting domains (75% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

A report from GeekWire revealed that an AirTag planted by a reporter led to the discovery of a secret Amazon site where old books are cut apart and scanned.

Live updates

  1. Hidden AirTag confirms Amazon's illicit AI book scanning

    A hidden AirTag has revealed a secret Amazon site where old books are cut apart and scanned to train AI. This appears to confirm suspicions about Amazon's involvement in illicit AI book scanning. The site is reportedly used to destroy rare books for AI training.

    Why it matters

    The use of AI in book scanning has raised concerns about copyright infringement and the destruction of rare books. Second-hand book sales are booming, and some suspect that AI training is driving demand. This story highlights the tension between technology companies' need for training data and the preservation of cultural heritage.

    What is confirmed

    • Amazon is using a secret site to destroy rare books for AI training.
    • Second-hand book sales are booming.
    • AI companies are buying and destroying antique books for training data.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Amazon's AI book scanning activities are illicit.

    What to watch next

    • Amazon's official response to the allegations
    • Investigations into AI companies' book sourcing practices
    • Development of regulations on AI training data
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. Ars Technica — Hidden Airtag reveals Amazon is trashing rare books to train AI
    2. BBC — Secondhand book sales are booming. Is it because of AI?
    3. Forbes — AI Companies Are Buying—And Destroying—Antique Books. Here’s Why.
    4. GeekWire — How an AirTag planted by a reporter led to a secret Amazon site where old books are cut apart and scanned
    5. 9to5Mac — Hidden AirTag appears to confirm suspicions about illicit AI book scanning
    confidence 75%
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