Authors Protest AI Copyright Theft with 'Empty Book' at London Fair

Authors are protesting the use of their work by AI companies at the London Book Fair with a symbolic 'empty book.' Titled 'Don’t Steal This Book,' the publication contains only a list of thousands of authors' names. This action aims to prevent the UK government from legalizing what they call 'book theft' for AI development.

The initiative argues that AI firms are building products by copying millions of books without consent or compensation. Organizers state that generative AI directly competes with artists, threatening their livelihoods. They are calling on the government to reject proposals that would allow AI companies to use copyrighted material without explicit opt-in.

This protest coincides with an upcoming UK government assessment on the economic impact of proposed copyright law changes, due by March 18th.