They're destroying books on artificial intelligence.

The destruction of books related to artificial intelligence is currently underway in large quantities. According to reports from antique dealers in the United Kingdom and the United States, there has been a surge in orders for used books that represent one of the last remaining non-digitized sources of text. These books often end up in unknown locations within the U.S., with one such location being Amazon’s VGT3 warehouse in Las Vegas. Employees working at this facility have confirmed that books are being cut apart to facilitate faster scanning, after which they are discarded into large bins mixed with other materials. The books range from new editions to rare versions of older publications, including official documents. Notably, these books are not limited to English-language texts; foreign language books are also being scanned. Employees at the VGT3 warehouse, who remain anonymous, described the process in detail. They stated that Amazon cuts the books, scans them, and then discards them into large containers. This practice has become more widespread recently, particularly concerning AI-related content. One employee noted that while cutting books might seem routine, the scale of this activity has raised concerns among workers. Another worker mentioned that the act of destroying physical copies of books, even if legally permissible, feels morally troubling. The legality of the action is based on the principle that once a physical copy of a book is purchased, its owner can do with it as they wish, provided they do not violate copyright laws. However, the sight of books being destroyed raises ethical questions, especially given Amazon's efforts to avoid public scrutiny over this issue. Online discussions have reflected growing unease. One user wrote, “Sometimes they burned them… today they cut them.” Another commented, “They’ve been cutting them before too, but now it’s happening massively for AI.” A third user remarked, “The main failure in computers is usually located between keyboard and chair.” Another added, “You read what you believe and you believe what you read…” While some users expressed confusion over the necessity of destroying books, others suggested that the rise of AI could lead to a future where physical books are less relevant. One user joked, “AI comes sooner than you start building better bunkers.” The trend of book destruction is part of a broader pattern observed in Amazon’s operations. Discussions on forums highlight how the company has long engaged in practices that prioritize digital formats over physical ones. Some users pointed out past instances where Amazon faced criticism for similar actions, though the current scale appears unprecedented. Others questioned whether the destruction of books was merely a byproduct of efficiency or a deliberate strategy to control information flow. One user sarcastically noted, “It’s worth watching… the topic of who buys old books, Amazon, which scans and destroys them.” In addition to online discourse, there are ongoing conversations around the implications of this practice. Some users speculated that the destruction of books could signal a shift toward a more digitized society, where physical media becomes obsolete. Others warned against the loss of historical and cultural knowledge. Meanwhile, some users expressed frustration with the lack of transparency surrounding Amazon’s activities. One user wrote, “I didn’t read it, nor do I judge it (I didn’t read it, but I condemn it).” This sentiment reflects a growing concern about the potential consequences of prioritizing digital access over preserving physical records. As the situation continues to unfold, the focus remains on the practical and ethical dimensions of book destruction. With Amazon’s involvement, the issue has gained traction in both professional and public spheres. Whether this represents a temporary phase or a larger systemic change remains unclear. For now, the key fact is that books related to artificial intelligence are being systematically cut, scanned, and discarded in large quantities, raising questions about the balance between technological progress and the preservation of knowledge.