Amazon Pulls Sponsorship From Paris Book Festival Amid AI-Generated Book Concerns

Amazon has withdrawn its sponsorship from the Paris Book Festival following a boycott initiated by the French booksellers’ association, Syndicat de la Librairie Française (SLF). The dispute centers on accusations that Amazon is attempting to “flood the market with fake AI-generated books,” a practice the SLF deems destabilizing to the book trade. The festival is scheduled to take place from April 17th to 19th.

Boycott Triggers Amazon’s Withdrawal

The SLF announced its boycott on March 2nd, 2026, protesting Amazon’s involvement in the festival. The association specifically criticized the online retailer for allegedly promoting AI-generated books through “fake reviews” and manipulating rankings The Bookseller. They also voiced concerns over what they characterized as an “irresponsible” collaboration between the publishers’ association and festival organizers, motivated by short-term financial gains.

Organizers Aim to ‘Ease Tensions’

Following the SLF’s boycott, Paris Livres Événements, the festival’s organizing body, and Amazon reached a mutual decision to end their partnership. Organizers stated the move was intended to avert “serious disruption” to the event, which anticipates 450 exhibitors and 120,000 visitors The Guardian. The goal, they explained, is to allow the festival to proceed in a “peaceful atmosphere” and ensure no one is negatively impacted.

Amazon Responds to Criticism

Amazon expressed disappointment with the SLF’s actions, labeling them a “partisan manoeuvre” based on “ungrounded and misleading claims.” The company asserted that the boycott “hijacks the event for its own benefit and diverts it from its legitimate ambition – namely the celebration of reading, readers and authors” The Guardian. Amazon stated it withdrew to “avoid contributing to this absurd controversy.”

Festival to Proceed Without Amazon

Despite Amazon’s withdrawal, the Paris Book Festival is expected to continue as planned in April. The event will proceed without the financial backing of the US retail giant Shelf Awareness.