Frankfurt Book Fair opens with focus on AI and copyright

The 78th Frankfurt Book Fair has opened in Germany under the theme ‘This Changes Everything’. The event marks the final opening by director Jürgen Boos after more than 20 years in the role.

Discussions at the opening focused heavily on the impact of artificial intelligence, copyright, and the future of reading culture. Harvard historian Jill Lepore warned that humanity faces a critical choice regarding how much people will allow machines to read, write, and think for them. She expressed concerns about the threat AI poses to democratic institutions and the production of information.

Sebastian Guggolz, head of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, described the risk of AI as a ‘double looting’ of both books and human thought. He suggested that while the industry should not reject technology, it is essential to clearly disclose whether content is AI-generated.

Additionally, the Turkish Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) is participating in the fair, showcasing religious publications and seeking international collaborations to translate their works into different languages.