Amazon revises KDP guidelines to compel disclosure of AI content 

Amazon has revised its Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) guidelines to require users to acknowledge AI-generated content, however the new section distinguishes between AI-generated content and AI-assisted content and does not compel disclosure of the latter.

The updated guidelines were announced in a post on the KDP Community Forum. The post said: “We are actively monitoring the rapid evolution of generative AI and the impact it is having on reading, writing and publishing, and we remain committed to providing the best possible shopping, reading and publishing experience for our authors and customers.

“To that end, beginning today (6th September), when you publish a new title or make edits to and re-publish an existing title through KDP, you will be asked whether your content is AI-generated. As always, whether publishers make use of AI technologies or not, all books in our store must adhere to our KDP Content Guidelines, including the requirement that you accurately inform us when content is AI-generated. We will continue to keep the interests of our authors, publishers, and readers at the forefront of our thinking and decision-making.

In a new section to the content guidelines, subtitled “Artificial intelligence (AI) content (text, images, or translations)”, Amazon states: “We require you to inform us of AI-generated content (text, images, or translations) when you publish a new book or make edits to and republish an existing book through KDP. AI-generated images include cover and interior images and artwork. You are not required to disclose AI-assisted content.”

AI-generated content is defined by Amazon as text, images, or translations created by an AI-based tool. The guidance states: “If you used an AI-based tool to create the actual content (whether text, images, or translations), it is considered ’AI-generated’, even if you applied substantial edits afterwards.”

On AI-assisted content, the guidance outlines: “If you created the content yourself, and used AI-based tools to edit, refine, error-check, or otherwise improve that content (whether text or images), then it is considered ‘AI-assisted’ and not ‘AI-generated’. Similarly, if you used an AI-based tool to brainstorm and generate ideas, but ultimately created the text or images yourself, this is also considered ‘AI-assisted’ and not ‘AI-generated’. It is not necessary to inform us of the use of such tools or processes.”

Amazon goes on to say that users are responsible for verifying that all AI-generated and/or AI-assisted content adheres to all content guidelines. “For example, to confirm an AI-based tool did not create content based on copyrighted works, you’re required to review and edit any AI tool outputs,” it states. 

According to Publisher’s Lunch, on the second submission screen when submitting a KDP work for publication there is now a specific box labelled AI-Generated Content where the creator is asked: “Did you use Al tools in creating texts, images, and/or translations in your book?” It is reportedly noted on the screen: “Amazon is collecting information about the use of Artificial Intelligence (Al) tools in creating content.”