ISBNdb, a company that sources printed books for AI companies to turn into training data, tells clients “the optics problem is real.”

ISBNdb advertises that it can keep the identity of AI companies secret.

“Strict NDA [non-disclosure agreement] on every engagement,” ISBNdb’s site says. “Every project begins with a legally binding non-disclosure agreement. Your identity, strategy, and acquisition targets are never disclosed.”

ISBNdb notes that AI companies may not want to be caught destroying printed books during the scanning process.

“The optics problem is real,” ISBNdb’s site says. “‘AI company destroys two million books’ is not a headline that generates sympathy.”