# Antique Books Destroyed for AI Scanning AI companies are sending scanned antique books to recycling. - **Source:** [Daring Fireball](https://brifing.si/source/bbc604d1-4212-4e70-9dbd-e291115f1f22) - **Published:** 2026-08-28 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1ba6db6a-f304-488b-8729-8920b706679c ## Book Destruction Process for AI Generative AI companies purchase antique books, scan them, and digitize their contents. The spines of the books are cut off, and the pages are separated. After the scanning process is complete, the remaining parts of the books are shredded. This process is used as one of the data collection methods by companies. However, it is noted that this practice leads to the loss of rare books. ## Copyright Concerns A lawsuit against Anthropic revealed the company's practice of destroying books. Court documents showed that the company tried to hide this practice. Authors and publishers claim that AI companies are violating copyright laws. This situation increases the tension between AI and intellectual property rights. ## The Fate of Rare Books Centuries-old antique books are digitized by AI scanning. However, the physical existence of the books is completely destroyed in this process. Historical details such as leather covers and gold lettering are ignored during scanning. This practice raises concerns about the preservation of cultural heritage. ## The Company's Efficiency Approach AI companies see the destruction of books after scanning as a measure of efficiency. Instead of preserving rare books, creating digital versions is preferred. Companies argue that this method is more scalable. However, this leads to the physical loss of books. ## Environmental Impacts Some of the destroyed books are recycled. Companies claim that this process is environmentally friendly. However, the cultural impacts of destroying rare books are ignored. The recycling process involves turning books into cardboard boxes. These boxes are used to transport new books. ## Public Reaction The practice of destroying books has caused a significant public outcry. Librarians and historians, in particular, are demanding an end to this practice. Company employees argue that this process is necessary. Some in society believe that such sacrifices are necessary for the advancement of AI. ## AI and Cultural Heritage The practice of destroying books by AI companies raises important questions about the preservation of cultural heritage. A balance must be struck between technological progress and the preservation of cultural values. This situation brings new regulations to the agenda regarding AI ethics and intellectual property rights. ## Future Implications These practices by AI companies could lead to more debates in the future. The destruction of books could result in the loss of cultural heritage. This situation requires a reevaluation of the societal impacts of AI technology. Companies are expected to strike a balance between technological advancement and the preservation of cultural values. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/im-the-guy-who-destroys-antique-books-after-we-scan-them-into-our-companys-insatiable-ai-platform — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._