Was this award-winning book written by AI? (www.cbc.ca)

Thélyson Orélien, a Quebec-based author, faces allegations that his debut novel, *C’était ça ou mourir*, was written using generative AI, raising significant questions within the French literary community about authenticity and the use of AI detection tools. The controversy erupted after a social media account claimed to have used the AI-detector tool Pangram to analyze excerpts from the book, reporting that the text showed “100 percent” signs of AI authorship. While Orélien denies the accusations, stating his work embodies his literary tradition and personal experiences, the allegations sparked broader concerns about the reliability of AI detection methods and the implications for authorship in literature. As the literary community scrutinizes the potential misuse of AI in writing, the scandal could influence perceptions of emerging authors, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Critics contend that the focus on AI involvement detracts from evaluating the creative process and the substance of the work itself. Additionally, plagiarism allegations surrounding Orélien compound the controversy, prompting his publisher to suspend his promotional activities while they assess the claims. This situation highlights an urgent conversation about the intersection of technology and literary integrity, as well as the evolving challenges and uncertainties facing writers in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.