# ‘Sign our own death warrant’: Australian writers angry after Melbourne publisher asks them to sign AI agreements

**Exclusive:** Authors asked to allow Black Inc to use their work for ‘training, testing, validation and the deployment of a machine learning’ system

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## Authors, literary agents, and the industry’s peak body express concern after Black Inc Books asked its authors to consent to their work being used for ‘training, testing, validation and the deployment of a machine learning’ system

The Australian Society of Authors said Black Inc’s request for its authors to agree to such a broad grant of rights within four days was “outrageous”.



**The Australian Society of Authors said Black Inc’s request for its authors to agree to such a broad grant of rights within four days was ‘outrageous’.

**“What is the rush?” asked the ASA’s chief executive, Lucy Hayward.

“Australia’s Government has so far only conducted an inquiry into the use of AI in the education system, with the house standing committee on employment, education and training releasing its final report in August.

The UK government has just completed a 10-week consultation period examining how to redraft copyright laws in the publishing industry to adjust to AI technology.



**“I won’t be signing anything yet”**



**Australian writer, Hamish McDonald, said the AI deal had come “out of the blue” and was “irrational”.**

“My book, *Melanesia: Travels in Black Oceania*, was published by Black Inc 10 years ago and shortlisted for three literary awards.
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