Amazon pulls sponsorship from Paris book festival after booksellers' association boycott

"The SLF has been sharply critical of Amazon, arguing that it destabilises the book trade. In a statement reported by the Bookseller, it accused the company of seeking to flood the market with fake AI-generated books, [which are] promoted by fake reviews, written by fake readers [and rise] to the top of fake rankings."

"We are deeply disappointed by this partisan manoeuvre by the SLF, an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. Building on ungrounded and misleading claims, [it] hijacks the event for its own benefit and diverts it from its legitimate ambition namely the celebration of reading, readers and authors."

"The organisers of the event, Paris Livres Evenements, a subsidiary of France's publishers' association, said the collaboration had been brought to an end due to hostility to Amazon's presence as a sponsor. They explained that the move was designed to avert serious disruption and safeguard the interests of the 450 exhibitors and estimated 120,000 visitors."

Amazon has ended its sponsorship of the Paris book festival scheduled for April 17-19 following a boycott announced by France's booksellers' association (SLF). The SLF opposed Amazon's involvement, arguing the company destabilizes the book trade through flooding markets with fake AI-generated books promoted by fake reviews and rankings. The association criticized festival organizers and publishers for prioritizing short-term financial interests. Amazon disputed these claims as ungrounded and misleading, stating it withdrew to avoid contributing to controversy. Festival organizers ended the partnership to prevent disruption and protect the 450 exhibitors and 120,000 expected visitors, aiming to ensure a peaceful event.

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