Michaela
A new study led by Dr. Clementine Collett of Cambridge’s Minderoo Centre for Technology & Democracy (MCTD) has surveyed hundreds of UK fiction writers and found growing concerns over copyright infringement, potential income loss, and the impact of generative AI and LLM-authored books on the future of literature.
Key Points
- The report found that resistance to AI remains strong across the UK fiction sector
- Sixty-seven percent of novelists said they do not use AI tools in their work, along with 66 percent of literary agents and 55 percent of publishing professionals
- However, the report noted that many participants distinguished between the technology itself and the way it is built and deployed
The report found that resistance to AI remains strong across the UK fiction sector. Sixty-seven percent of novelists said they do not use AI tools in their work, along with 66 percent of literary agents and 55 percent of publishing professionals. Respondents cited a range of concerns, including ethical and environmental implications, unease about delegating creative decision-making to automated systems, and ongoing doubts about the reliability and accuracy of generative AI outputs.
However, the report noted that many participants distinguished between the technology itself and the way it is built and deployed. Some respondents said their concerns centered on AI systems trained on unlicensed or improperly sourced data, rather than on the concept of AI as a tool. A portion of authors and publishing professionals reported using generative AI for limited, non-creative purposes such as background research or information gathering, while avoiding it for core creative work.
Tensions between authors and generative AI platforms have persisted for quite some time, and the debate has increasingly shifted into the legal arena. Several artificial intelligence companies are now facing lawsuits over claims of copyright misuse. One of the most prominent cases involves OpenAI and The New York Times, which alleges the company incorporated its articles into AI training materials without permission.
Related: Trump Plans ‘One Rule’ AI Executive Order to Override All State-Level Laws
Literary creators emphasized the potential erosion of originality as one of their chief concerns, warning that increased reliance on generative AI in writing and publishing could dilute the distinct content, styles, and language that define contemporary novels. They also noted projections suggesting that genre fiction may face a greater risk of displacement than literary fiction.
Novelists participating in the study reflected a widespread concern among authors globally regarding AI and copyright. The report found that 93% of novelists would either “probably” or “definitely” opt out of having their work used to train AI models. Additionally, 59% of respondents indicated that their work has already been used to train generative AI without permission or compensation, with 99% reporting they did not authorize its use and 100% confirming they received no remuneration.
Related: Study Finds AI Chatbots Can Sway Political Opinions Using False Info
The findings spotlight a growing tension between technology and traditional creative industries. As generative AI becomes more sophisticated, authors, publishers, and policymakers will need to navigate complex ethical, legal, and economic questions. Striking a balance between innovation and protecting creative labor will be critical to sustaining the diversity and integrity of literature.
Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
