AI companies are shredding rare books (xcancel.com)

Article summary

AI companies are purchasing large quantities of books, including rare ones, and shredding them to train their models, sparking concerns about the preservation of knowledge and the impact on historical records. The practice is reportedly driven by the need for faster and cheaper scanning methods. Some commenters argue that the destruction of physical books is a loss for humanity, while others see it as a necessary step for progress. The discussion also touches on issues of copyright, digital publishing, and the rights of readers.

Main themes

• Book shredding for AI training
• Preservation of knowledge
• Copyright and licensing
• Digital publishing
• Historical records
• Reader rights

What commenters say

• The destruction of physical books for AI training is a morally repugnant act that erases knowledge and cultural heritage.
• The practice of shredding books is driven by the need for faster and cheaper scanning methods, and is not necessarily motivated by a desire to control or erase knowledge.
• Digital publishing has diminished readers' rights, including the right to resale and lend, and will lead to a massive gap in historical records.
• The use of physical books for AI training is a necessary step for progress, and the destruction of these books is a minor cost compared to the benefits of advancing AI research.
• Copyright laws are a major obstacle to the preservation of knowledge, and the use of physical books for AI training is often hindered by restrictive licensing agreements.
• The destruction of rare books is a loss for humanity, and alternative methods, such as non-destructive scanning, should be explored to preserve these valuable resources.
• The issue of book shredding is not about copyright, but about the competitive advantage that AI companies gain by destroying books that could be used by their competitors.
• The shift to digital publishing has significant implications for the preservation of historical records, and active curation is necessary to prevent the loss of cultural heritage.