# ChatGPT Refuses to Copy Authors' Styles OpenAI's AI now blocks direct requests to mimic famous writers' styles. - **Source:** [Slashdot](https://brifing.si/source/0f34d58e-1ccd-45a6-ab82-2de4065dc7ad) - **Published:** 2026-07-27 - **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f8f26279-5331-41e9-a10e-72433a56c405 ## ChatGPT's New Policy OpenAI's ChatGPT now rejects requests to directly copy the style of famous authors. Instead, it generates text that captures the broad qualities of those authors while maintaining its own unique voice. This change aims to address copyright concerns. ## Test Results In testing, ChatGPT refused to mimic the styles of both living (J.K. Rowling, Amy Tan) and deceased (Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway) authors. However, some analyses suggest the restrictions may be more flexible for deceased writers. ## Legal Implications ChatGPT's policy is seen as a precaution against copyright lawsuits filed by authors. U.S. copyright law protects the original expression of an idea but not the author's style. However, AI-generated similar content could still lead to legal issues. ## Style Imitation and Copyright AI's imitation of an author's style could constitute copyright infringement if it becomes 'substantially similar' to the original work. Professor Robert Brauneis notes that AI's ability to mimic styles poses new legal challenges for creative industries. ## OpenAI's Response OpenAI did not respond to Ars Technica's request for comment. However, ChatGPT's new behavior is interpreted as part of the company's strategy to reduce legal risks. This move aims to ease tensions between AI and creative industries. ## Future Impact ChatGPT's policy sets an important precedent for balancing AI and creativity. AI's ability to mimic authors' styles presents both opportunities and legal risks. This development could lead to new standards in the industry. ## Sources covering this story - https://slashdot.org/story/26/07/27/185249/chatgpt-starts-blocking-direct-requests-to-copy-an-authors-style?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed — --- _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._