Secondhand booksellers suspect AI firms behind ‘strange’ bulk orders

Secondhand booksellers in Ireland and the UK are reporting a flurry of bulk orders from mystery buyers, amid speculation AI companies are acquiring the tomes for their data.

Secondhand booksellers in Ireland and the UK are reporting a flurry of bulk orders from mystery buyers, amid speculation AI companies are acquiring the tomes for their data.

Bookshops say they have been receiving orders from buyers in the US, Canada, continental Europe, and the UK. The increase has been replicated around the world, with booksellers in the US, Australia, and Europe also reporting unusual orders.