Amazon stated that it uses automated and manual checks to comply with content rules, but the issue of fake books created using AI remains relevant. After major sporting events, dozens of mini-biographies with fictional covers appear on the platform, created using AI and massively published under fictitious names. Renowned experts, such as Eric Topol, reported cases where fictional culinary and medical books were sold under their name and photo without their consent.
Topol called it outright fraud and mentioned that he repeatedly complained about these books but only received standard responses from customer support. Buyers who trusted famous names were left disappointed with the quality of such publications. The spread of fake books became possible due to the combination of tools like ChatGPT and simple self-publishing mechanisms through Kindle Direct Publishing.
Amazon limited the number of books that can be published per day to three and introduced a mandatory disclosure of AI usage for text, images, or translations. However, this information is not available to buyers, creating a gap in transparency. The company also tightened rules for abbreviations and workbooks, which often copy large parts of original works.
The Publishers Association calls for clear labeling of books created using AI and warns that buyers may confuse such editions with authentic works.
