As the use of generative AI grows, concerns about its negative impacts grow as well. Most notably, Pope Leo XIV recently issued his Magnifica Humanitas, an appeal to safeguard humanity against the use of AI in a way that is detrimental to our collective future.
While concern is spread across industries, the publishing arena has become acquainted with a unique set of issues. Lawsuits are waged over the unauthorized use of intellectual property, and many literary agents and publishers now require authors to attest that AI was not used in the development of stories.
And yet, AI is a growing part of the writing world, and we must remain informed about the issues surrounding its use. Here’s a rundown of a few recent news stories concerning AI and writing. Each item on the list is a link that will lead you to more information:
- The Authors Guild warns writers about the growing threat of AI impersonations and scams.
- NBC News reports that fake academic journals have published AI-generated papers under the names of actual professors.
- Lit Hub reports on the controversy surrounding Nobel-Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk, who admitted to using AI as part of her creative process.
- In an interview with the Today show, Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt says that the major bookseller is open to selling AI-generated books.
- As reported by ABC News and others, the London-based Commonwealth Foundation awarded one of its prestigious prizes to a short story that is speculated to be AI-generated (and even that speculation includes the use of AI).
- YouTube announces that they will employ new internal signals to help identify and label AI-generated content on their platform.
For some historical reflection, here at MUF, we have examined the use of AI in children’s literature from different perspectives. If you type “Artificial Intelligence” into the search bar, you will find multiple articles to explore.
AI is a growing part of every field, and it’s important to stay on top of the latest news as this tool continues its pervasive application in all areas of human endeavor.
Want to protect writers and have a character named after you or someone you love in a book by an author like David Baldacci, Jennifer Egan, or Brigid Kemmerer? You’re in luck.