Libro.fm is one of the best digital audiobook platforms. They sell audiobooks individually, but they are DRM-free, which means you actually own them and store the file locally or sideload them on as many devices as you want. The company has recently updated its policies regarding AI-enabled audiobooks or audiobooks that utilize AI for narration.
Libo.fm said in a post that “We will never knowingly prioritize, publicize, nor market AI-narrated/generated audiobooks. Unfortunately, we don’t have a way of knowing whether an audiobook is AI-narrated or not unless indicated by the publisher at this time. We are actively taking steps to increase transparency around audiobooks narrated by AI by properly labelling them on our site and in our apps. As an audiobook retailer and app, we are not involved in the production of AI-narrated audiobooks, so labelling them requires collaboration with our publishing partners. We are also exploring this for AI-generated audiobooks.” They also wanted users to know that if you unknowingly purchase an audiobook by an AI narrator, please email hello@libro.fm—we’ll happily refund your purchase/credit.
They summarized their thought process with the statement, “Audiobooks play an essential role in so many readers’ lives, and (human) narrators play an essential role in bringing these stories to life. We promise to do our part in considering the impact of AI on readers, narrators, and bookselling partners alike, and will share resources and updates as we have them.”
I think a policy like this is the gold standard for an audiobook platform. It highlights the preference for human narration over AI-generated content. However, many publishers do not disclose that their content utilizes AI narration, making it challenging for companies that rely on publishing partners for digital distribution. However, having an AI policy should be commended, and more companies should adopt this approach.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.