Latest Developments on Artificial Intelligence Usage Limitations for Self-Publishers
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence announced by Amazon and IngramSpark
Got some hot news on the AI front for those self-publishers out there! Take a peek at the latest updates from industry titans, Amazon and IngramSpark.
1. Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing Tightens the Screws on AI-Generated Content
In a surprising move, Amazon made its intentions clear earlier this month about its stance on AI. Alongside requesting users to disclose AI-generated content, Amazon has decided to tighten its rules for authors on its self-publishing platform, Kindle Direct Publishing. In a recent announcement on the KDP Community Forum, Amazon declared its decision to "restrict the volume of new titles published per day," following the rise in AI use within the publishing industry.
As AI streamlines the writing process, there's always the temptation to cash in. Even though mass-producing AI-generated content isn't widespread just yet, Amazon wants to keep the number of new titles updated to its platform daily to a mere three to "protect against misuse."
2. IngramSpark Joins the Party: AI-Generated Books on Notice
Not to be outdone, IngramSpark aims to align itself with Amazon's actions. As a result, it has subtly modified its terms of service and tightened the criteria for content removal from its distribution platform.
Currently, "Books created using artificial intelligence or automated processes" are amongst the types of content that may not be accepted on IngramSpark's platform. However, the practical ramifications of this policy are hazy at the moment, so stay tuned for further updates on this topic.
A Closer Look
- AI Audiobooks: Recently, Amazon has begun permitting a select number of AI-generated audiobooks to be sold through invite-only programs [1]. Self-publishers can now submit their books for AI audiobook creation, either via Audible's end-to-end service or by customizing the process themselves.
- Amazon's AI Content Restrictions: Back in 2023, Amazon introduced a limit on the number of titles an author could publish per day, with concerns over AI-generated content partly driving this decision [4]. However, specific limitations on AI-generated content remain undisclosed, with Amazon focusing on ensuring quality and compliance with its policies.
- Ethical and Market Impact: With AI playing a growing role in self-publishing, there's a concern that the market may be swamped with AI-generated content, which could disproportionately affect marginalized authors trying to make their mark.
- Policy Compliance: Both platforms necessitate adherence to their respective policies and content guidelines, but IngramSpark's stance on AI-generated content is less explicitly detailed than Amazon's recent initiatives with AI audiobooks.
- Given the latest policy updates, self-publishers should be aware that Amazon has issued restrictions on the use of artificial-intelligence in AI-generated content on their platform Kindle Direct Publishing.
- IngramSpark, in line with Amazon's actions, has modified its terms of service and may consider content created using artificial-intelligence or automated processes as not suitable for its distribution platform.
