No AI in the game: US writers' organization awards seal of approval

A US writers' organization wants to use a new seal of approval to label books that have clearly been written by humans. According to the Authors Guild, this is in response to the "increasing flood of AI-generated books in online marketplaces". The fact that these are AI-generated is often not recognizable to readers.

Whether this "flood" of AI books really exists cannot yet be quantified. Many book publications do not state whether and to what extent AI has been used. However, the topic of AI is clearly preoccupying the book trade and authors. While publishers are hoping to use AI to identify bestselling titles at an early stage, there is clearly an interest in AI support among writers. This is indicated by a growing number of information and training events.

AI use remains somewhat permitted

The Authors Guild in the USA does not want to completely exclude the use of AI in its seal of approval. The use of the label is permitted for books whose text was written by humans, "with minimal use of AI tools for grammar and spell checking and other small AI applications permitted". Registered book titles with the "Human Authored" logo are entered into a public database.

The seal of approval is by no means a rejection of new technology, emphasizes the organization's spokesperson, Mary Rasenberger. It aims to create transparency and recognize the reader's need for a human connection. It is also an "appreciation of the unique human elements of storytelling".

It remains unclear how exactly the organization intends to ensure that AI has not been used on a large scale in book publications. The Authors Guild does not provide details on the review process. At present, the seal can only be applied for by members – but there are plans to extend it to other authors.

Largest writers' organization in the USA

With over 15,000 members, the Authors Guild claims to be the oldest and largest writers' organization in the USA and has been existing since 1912. Among other things, it campaigns for copyright, freedom of expression and fair remuneration. Its members include novelists, non-fiction writers, journalists, historians, poets and translators.

(mki)