Aug 17, 2025 03:09 AM
https://news.sky.com/story/publishers-is...s-13413325
INTRO: The publishing industry has warned that books created by artificial intelligence - often imitating autobiographies - are a growing concern, and called on retailers to issue clearer warnings to consumers.
Sky News has spent months tracking apparent AI recreations, particularly sports books, that have been sold on Amazon as Kindle e-books, as well as printed versions.
Some titles were removed after we informed the e-commerce giant. But we understand there are no immediate plans for Amazon to label content that AI was involved in generating.
"AI created books are an increasing problem for us," Publishers Association chief executive Dan Conway told Sky News. "It is incredibly easy using these new, amazing tools to create content.
"The problem is that on the consumer side, it's really, really difficult to tell the difference often between a properly researched book that covers a topic that you want to read about versus something that's been spun up incredibly quickly using AI technology. And you've got some real consumer confusion out there."
In recent days, we found several books quickly feeding off England's success at the Women's Euros, which appeared to be created by AI.
Books on scoring stars Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang shared the same style covers, even featuring the wrong ball - from American football.
The Agyemang book was published the day after her dramatic equaliser in the Euros semifinal against Italy, while the Kelly book appeared online the day after her winning penalty in the final against Spain.
The named author, who has no digital trail beyond Amazon and other online retailers, has more than 45 books to their name since the start of July, on politicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and musicians, as well as sports stars.
It is frustrating for sports stars telling heartfelt stories in books only to see imitations online, confusing consumers... (MORE - details)
INTRO: The publishing industry has warned that books created by artificial intelligence - often imitating autobiographies - are a growing concern, and called on retailers to issue clearer warnings to consumers.
Sky News has spent months tracking apparent AI recreations, particularly sports books, that have been sold on Amazon as Kindle e-books, as well as printed versions.
Some titles were removed after we informed the e-commerce giant. But we understand there are no immediate plans for Amazon to label content that AI was involved in generating.
"AI created books are an increasing problem for us," Publishers Association chief executive Dan Conway told Sky News. "It is incredibly easy using these new, amazing tools to create content.
"The problem is that on the consumer side, it's really, really difficult to tell the difference often between a properly researched book that covers a topic that you want to read about versus something that's been spun up incredibly quickly using AI technology. And you've got some real consumer confusion out there."
In recent days, we found several books quickly feeding off England's success at the Women's Euros, which appeared to be created by AI.
Books on scoring stars Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang shared the same style covers, even featuring the wrong ball - from American football.
The Agyemang book was published the day after her dramatic equaliser in the Euros semifinal against Italy, while the Kelly book appeared online the day after her winning penalty in the final against Spain.
The named author, who has no digital trail beyond Amazon and other online retailers, has more than 45 books to their name since the start of July, on politicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and musicians, as well as sports stars.
It is frustrating for sports stars telling heartfelt stories in books only to see imitations online, confusing consumers... (MORE - details)