AI · SEMICONDUCTOR · FACT CHECK
SKD WIREMostly True
The Japan Book Publishers Association has raised concerns that large volumes of used books are being sold for use in training artificial intelligence systems in the United States, stating that such use is not allowed under its position. The claim, rated "Mostly True," draws on a review of 12 primary sources.
According to the association, used books are being purchased in bulk and funneled toward AI training purposes in the U.S. market. The organization's stated position is that this practice is not permissible, reflecting publishers' broader concerns that works sold through secondhand channels are being diverted into datasets without authorization from rights holders.
The association's objection centers on the gap between the original terms of sale and the downstream use of the books: while used books circulate legally in secondary markets, their bulk acquisition for machine learning purposes falls outside what the group considers acceptable.
Details such as the specific quantities of books involved, the companies purchasing them, and the legal basis of the association's position remain unclear from available information. The question of whether such sales constitute a copyright infringement under U.S. law — where fair use doctrines govern much AI training litigation — is likewise unresolved.
The verdict on the claim: Mostly True.