Tech firms accused of destroying books after AI scanning

Books are playing a major role in the rapid development of artificial intelligence. However, experts warn

Books are playing a major role in the rapid development of artificial intelligence. However, experts warn that the growing demand for printed books to train AI models is putting valuable knowledge and cultural heritage at risk.

According to a British media report, several technology companies have started buying large collections of old books. The books are scanned using high-speed machines so their contents can be converted into digital data. The material is then used to train advanced artificial intelligence systems.

The report claims that after the scanning process is completed, some companies discard or destroy the original printed copies. This practice has raised concerns among historians, librarians, and preservation experts, who fear that irreplaceable works may disappear forever.

The project reportedly began around two years ago. In February 2024, a leading AI company hired a specialist with the task of collecting as many books as possible from around the world. The goal was to secure a vast collection of written material for AI training.

Experts say the destruction of ordinary books is troubling, but the loss of historical or rare editions would be far more serious. They warn that once an original copy is destroyed, valuable physical features such as handwritten notes, bindings, paper quality, and printing techniques may be lost forever. These details are often important for researchers and historians.

According to the report, AI companies are especially interested in books published before 2022. They believe these books contain mostly human-written content, making them more useful for training AI models. Newer online content is increasingly influenced by AI-generated text, which experts say could reduce the quality of future AI training.

The growing use of books for AI development has also sparked debate over copyright, preservation, and ethics. Critics argue that technological progress should not come at the cost of destroying cultural and historical treasures. They are urging companies to preserve original copies after scanning them and work with libraries and archives to protect valuable collections for future generations.