Thousands of UK Writers Publish Blank Book to Protest AI Companies Using Their Works Without Permission

For creative professionals, having their works used by AI without permission or compensation is a common pain point. Recently, thousands of UK writers have expressed their protest in a special way.

About 10,000 writers participated in creating "Don't Steal This Book", which only lists their signatures. The book will be distributed at the London Book Fair to oppose AI companies using their works without authorization to train models.

The UK government plans to revise copyright laws to allow AI companies to use works without the owner's permission (unless the owner opts out), sparking industry anger. Organizers say the AI industry is built on stolen works, depriving creators of their livelihoods.

Publishers will launch an AI licensing program to establish a collective licensing mechanism. The UK government must submit an economic impact assessment by March 18, and practitioners call for the protection of their rights.