According to information from Reddit and various social media platforms, Amazon Kindle users utilizing the ad-supported version of the device have reported an influx of advertisements promoting books generated by artificial intelligence. These AI-generated publications often lack popularity and receive mediocre reviews on Amazon’s platform.
One Reddit user, who has owned a Kindle for approximately a decade, expressed discontent with the recent surge in AI-generated content in the ads. They mentioned, “I’ve not minded the adverts on them… until they became flooded with AI-generated publications.”
The AI-generated books, such as “The Secret Adventures of the Magical Forest” and “The Son and the Monsters,” seem to target children specifically. Some of these books are suspected of plagiarizing content from other sources, as noted by Utopianism. Additionally, they are accompanied by relevant images.
Moreover, Amazon’s Kindle, renowned as the leading e-reader globally, enables users to access their digital library conveniently. While Amazon provides ad-free Kindle options, it also offers ad-supported versions at a discounted price, featuring ads on the device’s screensaver. Users have the option to remove these ads by paying a one-time fee of $20.
Reports from Utopianism indicate a rise in the presence of AI-generated ebooks within these screen display ads. Amazon emphasized that every book available must adhere to their content guidelines, regardless of its origin. They actively monitor and remove books that violate these guidelines. Advertisements on Amazon’s platform must comply with their Advertising Guidelines and Acceptance Policies to ensure a positive customer experience.
Although AI-generated ebooks can be beneficial if they offer original and engaging content, concerns arise if they infringe on existing works. Amazon clarified that the ebooks mentioned in Futurism’s report are legitimately sold on their platform and do not violate any policies. The fact that these books are prominently featured in Kindle ads, despite customer complaints, raises curiosity.
It remains uncertain whether Amazon will address these issues by removing AI-generated books from their store or ad network. While some users find the ads bothersome, it is unclear how many will opt to pay to remove them.
