Barnes & Noble faced backlash after CEO James Daunt commented on stocking AI-written books. Daunt said the retailer has no issue selling any book as long as it does not pretend to be something it is not, and that AI-written books would be stocked if they state they are AI-written. Thousands of calls to boycott followed online reactions. A former employee and multiple authors criticized the policy and expressed disappointment, arguing that generative AI inherently involves copying or “ripping off” others. Daunt later said the backlash came from misinterpretations and that only a highly edited clip circulated. He also stated in an emailed message that the company does not sell AI books as far as it is aware and that it demands labeling and transparency.
"“I have actually no problem selling any book, as long as it doesn't masquerade or pretend to be something that it isn't. So, as long as an AI-written book says it's an AI-written book, then we will stock them,” Daunt said."
"“Hey Barnes & Not Noble, I worked for you and have supported you, but your latest AI decision is extremely disappointing. I will not be shopping or promoting B&N unless you change your AI policy.”"
"Daunt told The Times that the wave of backlash is based on misinterpretations of what he said, and that only a “highly edited version” of what the bookseller “actually said” had been aired."
"In an emailed statement, he said the bookseller does not sell AI books, “as far as we are aware.” Barnes & Noble “demand[s] that pu"
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