# Amazon, once a bookseller, now destroys rare books to train AI

Amazon has been destroying rare books from its inventory to use as training data for AI models, including texts that are no longer reproducible. The practice highlights a tension between AI development and cultural preservation, drawing criticism from book collectors and researchers.

**Importance:** 4/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/17/amazon-once-an-online-bookseller-is-destroying-rare-books-to-train-ai-models/) — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:38:44 +0000
- [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/08/hidden-airtag-reveals-amazon-is-trashing-rare-books-to-train-ai/) — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 18:13:47 +0000