AI ‘book thieves' copied Holocaust survivor's memoir, says author
AI book thieves rewrote a Holocaust survivor's memoir to sell for profit, its author has claimed.
Renee Salt, born in Poland in 1929, survived the ghetto, Auschwitz and later Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.
She lost her parents and scores of relatives in the camps, and her life story was recorded in the 2025 memoir A Mother's Promise: My true story of surviving Auschwitz and the horrors of the Holocaust.
Kate Thompson, journalist and the book's co-author, believes someone took this text and used AI to tweak it, before releasing the new version under the reworked titled Renee Salt memoir: A Mother's Promise: A Holocaust survivor's story of love, loss and unbreakable hope.
She said this computer-generated reworking was then put up for sale on platforms Amazon and Goodreads.
Ms Thompson said it was 'clearly the dark side of AI' and expressed shock that someone thought the 'very personal story was fair game for anyone with a reasonable knowledge of AI and what books were selling well on Amazon'.
Following pressure from Ms Thompson, the AI memoir was removed from Amazon and Goodreads.
However, Ms Thompson was shocked to find that yet another manipulated version of the Holocaust survivor's life-story was uploaded to the platforms.
This time it was given the altered title From Darkness To Light: The Remarkable Journey of Holocaust Survivor Renee Salt.
Whoever had altered the text using AI, in order to change it just enough to avoid copyright claims, put the book on sale for £8.99.
The person who took and manipulated the text also appears to have used mocking pseudonyms, Ms Thompson said.
One AI book thief went by the name Jude, German for 'Jew', while the other went by 'Penny Pincher'.
Ms Thompson said: 'Creaming profit off the hard work of a 95-year-old who escaped the gas chambers is about as low as it is possible to get.
'I suppose therefore the problem isn't AI. The problem is the humans who use it.'
Amazon told The Times, which first reported on the claims, that it invests 'significant time and resources to ensure our guidelines are followed' and would remove books that did not adhere to them.
A spokeswoman added: 'We have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for sale, and we have proactive and reactive methods that help us detect content that violates our guidelines, whether AI-generated or not.'
Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
7 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lars von Trier threw water at Bryce Dallas Howard and insulted her father
Lars von Trier threw a glass of water in Bryce Dallas Howard's face and insulted her father because he wanted to see her "angry face". The 'Jurassic World' actress worked with the director on 2005 film 'Manderlay' and she revealed her first meeting with the moviemaker on the set in Norway came as a bit of a shock as she was subjected to a barrage of insults and a jibe about her director dad Ron Howard. Bryce told The Times newspaper: "He started insulting me: 'Your father's a terrible filmmaker.' I went: 'Lars, what are you trying to see?' and he said: 'Your angry face. I don't know what it looks like'." She went on to reveal von Trier then threw a glass of water in her face and Bryce responded by doing the same to him. The actress added: "So I threw a glass of water in his face. He goes: 'Why did you do that?' and got up and left. That was my introduction to the Lars von Trier experience." However, Bryce is adamant she wasn't upset by the encounter. She explained: "It wasn't like I went to my room and cried or anything. I was sort of delighted by it." Bryce's dad started as an actor before moving behind the camera and she hopes to do more directing in the future, but she will never give up acting completely like he did. She added: "I don't want to let go of acting as my dad has done. That would be really heartbreaking because I learn so much being on a set. I have so much fun.' Bryce is close to her filmmaker father and he recently shared a sweet tribute to her on Instagram to mark her 44th birthday earlier this year - declaring she has far exceeded the family's expectations with her huge success in the movie business. Ron wrote: "Happy Birthday, Daughter! You've always made your mom and me happy and incredibly proud. "But the scope of what you've achieved with your family and career and the future you are building exceeds our wildest hopes from back when you were this adorable kid we loved so much." It came just a day after Bryce shared her own tribute to her dad on his birthday, writing in a post on Instagram: "I love you so much Dad, more than words can say."
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Peers vote to defy government over copyright threat from AI
Defiant peers have delivered an ultimatum to the government – calling on it to offer artists copyright protection against artificial intelligence companies or risk losing a key piece of legislation. The government suffered a fifth defeat in the House of Lords over controversial plans to allow the AI companies to train their models using copyrighted material. Peers voted by 221 to 116 on Wednesday to insist on an amendment to force AI companies to be transparent about what material they use to train their models. We will not back down and we will not quietly go away. This is just the beginning Elton John Speaking at an awards event after the vote, Elton John said copyright protection was an 'existential issue' for artists and urged the government 'to do the right thing'. He added: 'We will not let the government forget their promise to support our creative industries. We will not back down and we will not quietly go away. This is just the beginning.' Wednesday night's vote prolongs a lengthy standoff between the Commons and Lords over the data bill, which has been used as a vehicle by campaigners to oppose the government's proposed copyright reforms. Resistance to the changes in the Lords has been led by Beeban Kidron, a cross-bench peer and film director, whose amendments have been repeatedly backed by the upper chamber. The data bill now faces the prospect of being shelved unless the Commons accepts the Kidron amendment or proposes an alternative. Maggie Jones, the Lords minister for the digital economy and online safety, had urged peers to vote against the Kidron amendment after the government offered last-minute concessions in an attempt to stave off another defeat. Before the vote, Jones said peers were 'choosing whether they want the entire bill to fall' and that by voting for Kidron's amendment they would 'countenance the unprecedented – to try to collapse a bill that does nothing to weaken copyright law' but included other important measures including to combat sexually explicit deepfake images. Kidron told peers: 'This is our last chance to ask the government to provide a meaningful solution' and urged ministers to set out concrete steps to subject AI companies to copyright rules. 'It is not fair, not reasonable, not just, balanced or any other such word to stand in the way of the creative industries identifying those who are taking their work or their property. It is not neutral – it is aiding and abetting what we have called in the house widespread theft. 'We have asked privately and repeatedly on the floor of both houses what is the government going to do to stop the work of creatives from being stolen right now? The answer is nothing.' Several peers pushed back against the suggestion that the Lords' move was unprecedented and said the government was itself breaking precedent by not compromising. Tim Clement-Jones, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for the digital economy, offered his party's 'staunch support' for Kidron's amendment. The Lords' move puts the data bill in double insistence territory. This means the Commons and Lords cannot reach agreement over legislation. In this scenario, under parliamentary convention, the bill would fall unless ministers accept the rebel amendment or offer an alternative. A bill falling is extremely rare but not without precedent – it happened to the European parliamentary elections bill in the 1997-98 session. Under parliamentary convention, the Commons has primacy as the elected house, and in rare instances where the Lords refuses to back down ministers can resort to the Parliament Act to pass the bill in the next parliamentary session. This would significantly delay the legislation. In concessions offered to peers on Tuesday night, the government said it would commit to publishing further technical reports on the future of AI and copyright regulation and do so within nine months instead of 12. 'A number of noble Lords have voiced concerns during ping-pong that the government is not listening. This is simply not the case,' Jones said in her letter, reiterating that ministers regretted the way the Lords rebels had gone about the changes. Jones stressed that the data bill was expected to generate £10bn of economic benefit by updating data protection law and that it would improve online safety, including by strengthening powers to ask social media companies to preserve data after the death of a child. Kidron said: 'It is in the gift of the government to accept the amendment, or put something meaningful in its place. They have failed to listen to the Lords, they have failed to listen to the creative sector, they have failed to listen to their own backbenchers.' Under the government's proposals, AI companies would be allowed to train their models using copyrighted work without permission unless the owner opts out. The plans have been fiercely criticised by creators and publishers including high-profile artists such as Paul McCartney and Tom Stoppard. Peter Kyle, the technology secretary, has said he regretted the decision to launch a consultation on changing copyright law with the opt-out system as the 'preferred option'. Campaigners against the changes believe that there is resistance inside Downing Street to making more substantial concessions.


News24
4 hours ago
- News24
From AI-powered public health breakthroughs to smarter social media feeds and reimagined fast food – the cutting-edge tech reshaping our world
Personalised digital spaces are becoming the norm, with TikTok's updated For You feed giving users more control over their online experience. AI is driving impact on the ground, as seen in Google's Open Buildings project helping vaccinate zero-dose children and build flood-resilient African cities. Everyday experiences are getting smarter, whether it's Col'Cacchio's tech-driven fast-casual dining model, AI-powered business apps like Zoho Solo, or Nintendo Switch 2's next-gen gaming features bringing friends and family together in new ways. TikTok's new features let you take back control of your for you feed TikTok's iconic For You feed, the heartbeat of the app is getting a well-timed update, and it's all about giving users more say in what shows up on their scroll. Whether you're deep in cooking hacks, art tutorials or just here for the dog videos, the new tools make it easier to curate your feed around your interests and skip what you'd rather not see. Now rolling out across South Africa, the updates include Manage Topics, which lets you adjust how often certain categories like travel, sport, nature or creative arts appear. It's not about muting them completely, but giving your feed a nudge to better reflect what you're into right now. There's also a new Smart Keyword Filter that goes beyond the usual word blocklists. This feature understands synonyms and related terms, making it easier to filter out content you're over or just not in the mood for. The filter now supports up to 200 keywords and shows you what else might be linked, so you're in the driver's seat when it comes to shaping your digital space. Importantly, TikTok is also rolling out an easy-to-use educational guide to help users ,teens included, to better understand how the For You feed works. Think content explainer videos, safety tools, and ways to reset your feed or block mature content. In a local context, it's creators like Tricia Mpisi discovered on TikTok and now acting in streaming films and grace_the_cookist, whose home cooking has gained a loyal following, that reminds us why a smart, personalised feed matters. These tools aim to help more South Africans find creators they love and spaces they feel safe in. Because let's be honest, we all deserve a feed that feels a bit more like you. Col'Cacchio GO: The Future of Fast Casual is Here—and It's Fresh, Fast and Smart Fast food in South Africa is changing, and Col'Cacchio is leading the charge with a bold new concept that puts quality, convenience and tech-first thinking at the centre of your next meal. Enter Col'Cacchio GO a modern take on the Italian favourites South Africans have loved for over 30 years, now served faster and smarter. Launched in April at Westlake in Cape Town, Col'Cacchio GO takes the brand's gourmet roots and makes them work for today's on-the-go lifestyle. It's not just a smaller format it's a full rethink of how premium food can be delivered at speed. With Col'Cacchio GO, we're delivering the same craftsmanship and authenticity that has defined our brand for over 32 years, but in a format that meets today's fast-moving consumer needs. Etienne Pieterse, Group CEO. The model is designed to meet the rising demand for quality takeaway and delivery, with more locations planned in Johannesburg, Durban, and even Mauritius. Seamless digital ordering, partnerships with major delivery platforms, and a pricing promise that keeps meals affordable whether you're dining in or using an app are all part of the tech-led approach. Supplied Menu highlights include generous Family Mega Meals (think 45cm pizzas and 1.3kg pasta trays), low-carb and gluten-free bases, and smart lunch offerings like the new pizza-which a gourmet wrap-meets-pizza filled with fresh ingredients. 'We want to give customers healthy options, but also keep it convenient,' says Pieterse. 'Nothing is pre-made or processed. Our sauces are made in the kitchen every few days.' Col'Cacchio GO also offers something rare in today's delivery scene: consistent pricing. The worst thing is when your favourite restaurants are two to three times more expensive on delivery apps, we've got one price, whether you eat in-store or order via Uber Eats. Etienne Pieterse, Group CEO. With strong consumer demand for fast, nutritious food and South Africa's delivery market seeing double-digit growth, Col'Cacchio GO is more than a meal it's a forward-thinking blueprint for the future of dining. Vivo Y Series launches with industry-first 7-star quality promise in SA Durability is the new must-have in smartphones and vivo is stepping up. This week, the brand launched its latest Y Series lineup in South Africa - the vivo Y29, Y19s Pro, and Y04 256GB, each combining innovation, value, and protection. Leading the pack is the vivo Y29, backed by an industry-first 7-Star Quality Promise, the most comprehensive service plan in its class. Durability shouldn't be limited to premium phones, our 7-Star Promise delivers real protection, not just specs. Tony Shi, GM at vivo SA The plan includes military-grade impact resistance, SGS-certified drop protection, IP64 water/dust resistance, 5-year battery health, and 360° accidental cover—one free repair for screen or body damage. The Y29 also adds 50-month performance optimisation. The lineup highlights: Y29 (R7 999): Slim powerhouse with 6500mAh BlueVolt battery, Snapdragon 685, 120Hz display, Anti-Drop Armour and full 7-Star coverage. Y19s Pro (R5 999): Balanced performer with IP64 protection, dual 300% audio speakers, and 365 days 360° repair cover. Y04 256GB (R2 999): Entry-level champion with 256GB storage, 5500mAh battery, IP64 resistance, and 180 days 360° repair cover. The Y Series isn't just about specs, it's about phones built to last, with after-sales service ranked #1 in SA. Whether you're after premium battery life, rugged durability or unbeatable value, Vivo's Y Series has a smart option ready for everyday life. Google's Open Buildings data helps vaccinate zero-dose children and protect African cities from flooding AI is driving real-world impact across Africa, with Google's Open Buildings dataset emerging as a game-changing tool for health and climate resilience. The dataset, which maps over 1.8 billion structures, is already improving lives across Rwanda, Nigeria, and South Africa, helping to reach unvaccinated children and prepare vulnerable cities for flooding. In Northern Nigeria, mapping teams uncovered over 10,000 structures previously undocumented, helping health workers reach 70% of zero-dose children in just six months. In Rwanda, the Ministry of Health used Open Buildings data to optimise clinic locations ensuring 92% of citizens are now within 30 minutes of care. Screenshot WATCH | Why we'll always listen when David Attenborough speaks Meanwhile, cities like Johannesburg, Gqeberha and Kigali are using the data to build flood-risk exposure maps, helping authorities make better urban planning decisions. With Africa's urban population set to nearly double by 2035, tools like Open Buildings are becoming vital to direct resources where they're needed most. This shows what happens when local expertise meets open, scalable technology, mothers reach clinics sooner, children receive vaccines, and planners get ahead of the next flood. Dr Aisha Walcott-Bryant, Head of Google Research Africa. The Open Buildings dataset, including tutorials and its new 2.5D visualisation layer, is freely available at OPPO Watch X2 Lands in South Africa: Smarter Health, Smarter Life OPPO has launched its most advanced smartwatch yet, the OPPO Watch X2 designed for South Africans who want seamless health tracking, fitness features, and lasting battery life, all in one premium device. The Watch X2 brings a sleek stainless steel body, a sapphire crystal glass display, and military-grade durability. Built for the boardroom, gym and hiking trail, it offers a 60-second health scan at the tap of a button, tracking heart rate, blood oxygen, arterial stiffness, and stress in real time. For active users, there are 100+ workout modes, including badminton and tennis tracking, plus dual-frequency GPS for pinpoint outdoor performance. Supplied The Watch X2's sleep tracking is also a standout, offering insights into sleep quality and breathing patterns synced to OPPO's OHealth app. Inside, the Watch X2 is powered by a dual-chip architecture and offers up to 5 days of battery life, with 24 hours of use from a 10-minute charge. It runs Wear OS by Google, supporting Google Assistant, Maps, Wallet, and third-party apps via Google Play. Our mission is to empower South Africans to take charge of their health, time and ambitions says Bradley Young, OPPO Available from 20 June in Lava Black for R6999, the OPPO Watch X2 delivers a smart, stylish companion ready for whatever life throws at you. The Nintendo Switch 2 launches in SA Nintendo Switch 2 officially lands in South Africa, bringing with it a brand-new Mario Kart experience, improved hardware, and a fresh wave of more than 20 game titles ready to play. Nintendo Switch 2 offers a bigger 7.9' HD screen, upgraded graphics, 256GB of storage, and smart new features like GameChat, letting up to 12 friends chat live while playing even across different locations. There's also CameraPlay, which lets players video chat in-game using a USB-C camera which is sold separately. The headline game, Mario Kart World, is the biggest Mario Kart to date. Players can now race with up to 24 drivers in huge, open racing environments. It also introduces Free Roam mode and Knockout Tour, where the slowest drivers are eliminated at each checkpoint. Supplied The Switch 2 launch lineup includes Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, Street Fighter™ 6, SPLIT FICTION, and a new Nintendo GameCube – Classics library. There's also a Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle available in stores and online. Whether you're racing with friends, exploring new missions solo, or catching up on your favourite franchises in 4K, Nintendo Switch 2 is designed for more powerful play—anytime, anywhere. More info at Tech and Ideas Take Centre Stage at Singularity South Africa Summit 2025 Africa's future will be front and centre this October as the SingularityU South Africa Summit returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 22–23 October 2025. Now in its seventh year, the annual event brings together leading voices in technology, business and innovation to explore how exponential tech can unlock progress across the continent. With the theme Igniting Africa's Future, this year's summit will feature two physical stages, immersive workshops, a premium expo and networking sessions, plus a fully interactive metaverse experience via local platform UBU. Over 30 global and local speakers are expected, covering everything from AI and robotics to spatial computing, health tech and leadership. Confirmed speakers include biotech trailblazer Tiffany Vora, disruption expert David Roberts, and AI pioneer Vukosi Marikate of Lelapa AI, alongside innovation leaders shaping everything from future cities to accessible healthcare. Backed by headline sponsor Old Mutual, the event is focused on real-world impact. 'We're backing technology that improves lives and builds long-term opportunity,' says Old Mutual's Celiwe Ross. In-person and metaverse ticket sales are now open, with early bird prices available until 1 June. Visit for more details. JAWS Turns 50: Spielberg and National Geographic Dive Deep into a Cinematic Classic This July, National Geographic and Disney+ South Africa are making waves with the premiere of JAWS @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story, the only authorised documentary marking the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the blockbuster that redefined cinema and sparked decades of shark fascination. Supplied Premiering Sunday 13 July at 21:00 CAT on National Geographic (DStv 181) and later on National Geographic Wild and Disney+, this 90-minute film gives fans and cinephiles unprecedented access to the making of Jaws. Directed by Laurent Bouzereau (Faye, Music by John Williams), the film features never-before-seen footage from Steven Spielberg's personal archive, as well as brand-new interviews with Spielberg, the original cast, and some of Hollywood's top directors including James Cameron, J.J. Abrams, Guillermo del Toro, and Jordan Peele. Supplied Expect candid stories from malfunctioning sharks to Spielberg's post-production stress that reveal just how risky and revolutionary the production was. The documentary also reflects on the cultural impact of Jaws, from its controversial 'shark fear' legacy to its influence on marine conservation, with commentary from scientists and ocean advocates like Wendy Benchley and Philippe Cousteau. This isn't just a behind-the-scenes doc, it's a celebration of a film that changed everything. XLink Crowned Africa's Top Tech Company South African fintech leader XLink won Technology Company of the Year at the 2025 Africa Tech Week Awards. Recognized for innovation in payments and connectivity, the PASA-certified firm bridges financial access gaps across Africa. 'We're unlocking Supplied futures, not just connecting businesses,' said CEO Dr. Thanusha Govender. The award cements XLink's role in shaping Africa's digital economy through secure, agile solutions. Zoho Targets SA Solopreneurs with New App Zoho reported 35% South African growth and launched Zoho Solo, a mobile app for freelancers. The all-in-one platform handles invoicing, tasks and expenses, with features like real-time profit tracking. Solo understands solopreneurs' unique needs Andrew Bourne, Zoho Africa Priced from R99/month, it joins Zoho's expanding local offerings amid rising demand for AI-powered business tools. Salesforce Showcases AI Workforce in Joburg Salesforce's Agentforce Tour hit Johannesburg, demonstrating AI's role in modern business. The event highlighted how enterprises use AI agents to automate tasks and boost efficiency. This is the biggest tech shift of our time Linda Saunders, Salesforce Africa With 5,000+ recent contracts, Agentforce signals AI's growing impact on Africa's digital workforce. Supplied Beyond expert-led sessions, attendees at the Salesforce Agentforce World Tour Johannesburg will gain hands-on experience in building AI agents and explore the broader Salesforce ecosystem through networking with peers, industry leaders, and Trailblazers. They'll hear firsthand how South African brands are using Salesforce to strengthen customer relationships and drive productivity. Salesforce executives will also share insights on key cloud and AI trends, alongside the company's growth plans for Africa. A special media roundtable will feature Robin Fisher, Linda Saunders, and Ursula Fear, offering a closer look at Salesforce's vision and the future of AI across the region.