Novelist accused of using AI to write book removed from French prize list (www.theguardian.com)

The Académie Goncourt, France's prestigious literary organization, has removed Thélyson Orélien’s novel, *C’était ça ou mourir* (It Was That or Die), from its longlist due to allegations that the book was largely written by AI. These claims emerged from an anonymous account on X, which utilized an AI detection tool called Pangram, asserting that the text was "almost entirely" generated by artificial intelligence. The decision to withdraw the novel aims to uphold the integrity of the Goncourt prize, traditionally associated with works authored by humans, underlining concerns about the authenticity of literature in the AI era. Orélien, who has sold around 35,000 copies since publication, vehemently denied the allegations, arguing they are racially motivated and asserting the creative use of traditional Haitian literary elements in his work. The controversy has intensified as plagiarism accusations surfaced, suggesting prior works may have been copied, further complicating the narrative surrounding the authenticity of the novel. In light of this situation, the academy's actions may herald a significant conversation about the role of AI in creative writing and the ethical responsibilities of authors and publishers in representing original work. The upcoming announcements from the Académie Goncourt will likely be closely watched as they navigate these turbulent waters in literature.