Top Stories· August 17, 2026 at 04:38 p.m.
Amazon Repurposes Rare Books for AI Training
Key takeaways
- Amazon is using rare books to train its AI models
- Rare books offer a new source of valuable data for AI training
- The practice raises questions about preservation, intellectual property rights, and ethical considerations
In a move that has raised concerns among collectors and preservationists, Amazon is reportedly purchasing rare books to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models. The company is removing the spines of these books and scanning them for data, according to findings by 404 Media who placed a tracking device in one such book which ended up at an Amazon facility in Las Vegas. Known as VGT3, the facility identifies itself with a symbol of a dinosaur holding a book, suggesting its purpose. In response, Amazon stated that it acquires books through commercial channels to enhance its products and services. The company's actions are significant due to the scarcity of these texts, many of which are out-of-print or hard to find online.
