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cloud.google.com·7h ago
Data Science
Simon Willison's Blog·Aug 17·5 min read
We Tracked a Shipment of Rare Books. It Ended at an Amazon AI Training Facility
TL;DR
A shipment of rare books, tracked using an Apple AirTag, was delivered to an Amazon facility known for scanning books for AI training. This highlights the growing trend of companies acquiring large volumes of books for AI model development.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider the ethical implications of sourcing data for AI training from rare and potentially copyrighted materials.
Key Takeaways
- Monitor unusual bulk orders in your industry.
- Consider ethical implications of data sourcing for AI.
- Stay informed about AI training practices in your field.
- Engage in discussions about copyright and data usage.
How It Works
The tracking was accomplished using an Apple AirTag, a small tracking device that communicates its location via Bluetooth. By placing the AirTag in one of the ordered books, 404 Media was able to trace the shipment's path to its final destination, revealing the specific Amazon facility involved in the scanning process.