Thousands of writers have released a mostly empty book titled “Don’t Steal This Book” as a protest against artificial intelligence companies using copyrighted material without permission. Around 10,000 authors participated in the campaign, which was launched during the London Book Fair. The book contains almost no text—only a list of the names of the participating authors—symbolizing what the literary world could look like if AI systems continue to train on books without compensating their creators.
The protest includes well-known authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Philippa Gregory, and Richard Osman, who argue that generative AI tools are being developed using millions of books and creative works scraped from the internet. According to organizers, this practice allows AI companies to benefit from writers’ intellectual labor without paying them or obtaining consent. The campaign was coordinated by composer and copyright advocate Ed Newton-Rex, who has been outspoken about protecting artists’ rights in the AI era.
The initiative also comes at a critical moment for UK copyright policy. The government is considering reforms that could allow AI developers to use copyrighted material for training under a “commercial research exception,” unless creators explicitly opt out. Many writers fear that such a rule would weaken copyright protections and make it easier for technology firms to exploit creative work without fair compensation.
By publishing an empty book, the authors aim to send a symbolic message about the future of literature if creative workers lose control over their work. Campaigners warn that if AI companies are allowed to freely use copyrighted material, writers could lose income and readers might ultimately face fewer original books. The protest highlights growing global tensions between the rapid development of AI technology and the protection of intellectual property rights.
