Jack Thorne Warns Fellow Scriptwriters Are Using AI to Cheat 2026

Jack Thorne, one of Britain's most successful screen and stage writers, has warned that some fellow scriptwriters are using AI to cheat, calling for laws to ban the secret use of the technology to generate scripts. Thorne, who co-wrote the hit Netflix drama Adolescence and wrote the stage play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, said that "writers need to be squeaky clean" in the face of AI models that "steal" the creative industry's work.

Thorne's Warning: AI Cheating Undermines the Profession

In a wide-ranging speech in London, Thorne attacked government inaction over the AI industry's mass-scraping of material to train their models. He said Keir Starmer's government had been "a bit dazzled by tech" and lamented a failure to protect the copyright of writers. However, he also said he had heard worrying stories about the misuse of AI among writers that risked undermining the profession.

"I have spoken to a number of execs and studio heads about their use of AI, and got hugely different responses, but what I did hear from them – and what anecdotally I've heard from a few writers close to me – is that some in my profession are using AI to cheat," he said. "What I'm not talking about here is using AI to help – to discuss things with, to check for spelling errors or help with layout. I'm talking about using AI as a replacement for endeavour, as a replacement for writing at all. Using prompts instead of writing words."

What Counts as Cheating?

Thorne drew a clear line between using AI as a tool and using it as a replacement for actual writing. He emphasised that while AI can assist with brainstorming, spell-checking, or formatting, using it to generate entire scripts from prompts is a form of cheating that betrays the craft.

• AI as a tool: Acceptable for research, editing, and administrative tasks.
• AI as a replacement: Unacceptable when it generates scripts or replaces the writing process.
• Secret use: Thorne calls for laws banning undisclosed AI-generated scripts.
• Copyright concerns: AI models are trained on stolen creative work.

The Call for Legislation

Thorne is urging the government to introduce laws that would make it illegal to secretly use AI to generate scripts. He argues that transparency is essential to maintain trust in the industry and protect writers' livelihoods. Without such laws, he fears that the profession could be undermined by those who take shortcuts.

AI Use in Scriptwriting: Help vs. Cheating

To clarify the distinction, here is a comparison of acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in scriptwriting:

Industry Reactions

Thorne's comments have sparked debate among writers and industry professionals. Some agree that AI cheating is a growing problem, while others argue that AI is simply another tool that writers should embrace. However, Thorne's stance is clear: using AI to replace writing is cheating, and it must be stopped.

FAQ

Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of stair climber machine, elliptical trainer, rowing machine, gummies nerve pain, and coffee creamer diabetics. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.

Our testing team has hands-on reviews of tanning lotion, castor oil knee pain, tirzepatide compounding pharmacy, chewing gum, and morning tea. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.