Australian Booksellers Warn AI's Destructive Scanning Threatens 2026

Australian booksellers are raising alarm over the destructive scanning of rare books to feed AI training data, as concerns grow over the loss of cultural artefacts. The practice, revealed in a US copyright lawsuit against Anthropic, involves buying physical books, slicing off spines, and pulping the remains after scanning. This has sparked fear among rare book vendors who see their trade as preserving stories and human connection.

What Is Destructive Scanning and Why Is It Happening?

Destructive scanning is a method used by generative AI companies to efficiently digitize physical books. By removing the spine and cutting pages, scanners can process thousands of pages quickly. The remains are then recycled or pulped. This practice has been ruled lawful under US copyright law as "transformative use," but it raises ethical questions about the destruction of unique and irreplaceable titles.

AI companies argue that they need vast amounts of text to train their models, and physical books offer high-quality, copyrighted content that is not freely available online. However, rare book sellers like Tim White of Books for Cooks emphasize that the physical object itself holds value beyond the text. "Sometimes books tell you more than the content," White says, pointing to bindings, marginalia, and historical context that are lost in digitization.

The Impact on Rare Book Collectors and Sellers

Australian secondhand booksellers have noticed unusual order patterns, with bulk purchases from intermediaries like Zoom Books, a Canadian company describing itself as a book recycler. These orders often involve large quantities of books that do not match typical customer interests. This has led to fears that rare and out-of-print titles are being swept into the AI supply chain.

"We handle things that have a story," says White. "To see them destroyed for data is horrific." The concern is not just about losing individual books but about the systematic erosion of cultural heritage. Rare books often contain unique illustrations, annotations, and historical context that cannot be replicated in a digital scan.

What Can Be Done to Protect Rare Books?

Booksellers are calling for greater transparency from AI companies and intermediaries. They want clear labeling of which books are being purchased for scanning, and they urge collectors to be cautious when selling large lots. Some suggest that AI companies should use libraries and existing digital archives instead of destroying physical copies.

In response, industry groups are pushing for ethical guidelines that require AI companies to preserve original books after scanning, or to use non-destructive methods. However, without legal mandates, the practice is likely to continue, as it is cost-effective and efficient.

Data Comparison: Traditional Scanning vs. Destructive Scanning

Key Takeaways for Readers

• Destructive scanning is a common practice among AI companies to gather training data.
• Rare books are being destroyed, losing their physical and historical value.
• Australian booksellers are concerned about the ethical implications and are calling for change.
• Collectors should be aware of bulk buyers that may be feeding AI supply chains.
• Non-destructive alternatives exist, but they are not widely adopted.

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