Amazon now asking author to disclose AI use on upload to the store

Amazon is asking authors to disclose the use of AI in works that use it to generate substantial sections of the text, artwork, or translation.

They define AI generated in this way:

• AI-generated: We define AI-generated content as text, images, or translations created by an AI-based tool. 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.

• AI-assisted: 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.

There is no indication of what Amazon will do with this information. Will they flag books in the store? Will this affect the how your books appears in searches? Amazon isn’t saying.

As I read this, anyone using Grammarly, ProWritingAid, or even Microsoft Word would have to disclose their book as “AI-assisted”.

Should authors refrain from using these tools?