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Ars Technica

Booksellers suspect AI firms are buying and then destroying rare books

Wednesday, August 12, 2026


Several rare book dealers reported that artificial intelligence companies have purchased large quantities of out-of-print and rare books in recent months, according to bookseller accounts. The purchases have raised concern among independent booksellers who worry about book availability and pricing. Booksellers have not provided documentation of destroyed books, though some report books becoming unavailable after purchase by AI firms.

Original reporting: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/08/heres-a-balm-if-the-idea-of-destroying-books-to-train-ai-breaks-your-heart/

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