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AI Books Spark Library Crackdown
15 Nov
Summary
- 1,063 books from 162 libraries were sealed due to AI concerns.
- Phoenix Publications and Agal Vilakku Pathippagam are under scrutiny.
- Librarians demand a broad audit of procurement and publishing.
Authorities in Chennai have sealed 1,063 books across 162 city libraries as part of a statewide initiative. This exercise was initiated following allegations that AI-generated and fabricated books were acquired for public libraries.
The books in question were published by Phoenix Publications, which came under scrutiny after a writer highlighted concerns about AI-generated content in Tamil literature. Agal Vilakku Pathippagam, another publisher linked to these allegations, also faces investigation. The sealed books, mainly in Tamil, focus on historical figures and literary works.
Additionally, 1,263 books purchased from Agal Vilakku Pathippagam, acquired between 2023 and 2026, have been impounded before distribution. Libraries are also identifying books from Sigma Publications, believed to be a subsidiary of Agal Vilakku Pathippagam.
Library professionals are advocating for a comprehensive audit and investigation into the entire procurement and publishing process. They emphasize that the probe should extend beyond financial aspects to scrutinize publication details and content.
