Recently, Tomato Novel faced backlash from authors for adding an "AI Training Supplementary Agreement" to their contracts. Authors accused the platform of using their web novels to train AI, leading to a collective boycott from the online literature community. Many authors worry about their works being copied and imitated by "machines" and fear their rights won't be respected or protected in this human-machine competition.
Meanwhile, several web novel authors reported on the "Dragon's Sky" website that their books were blocked and couldn't be found on Tomato Novel's search, including many completed works. Some also discovered multiple highly similar works on the platform, with new authors publishing over 200 novels daily. The account in question is now unsearchable.
Tomato Novel responded, stating they won't use AI writing capabilities against authors' wishes. They believe AI is just a tool to help creators achieve their dreams, emphasizing that "we believe in human value." The platform also announced that they've launched a feature allowing users to opt out of the relevant terms through the Tomato Writer Assistant App or the Tomato Novel web author workstation.
Internet analyst Zhang Shule told reporters via WeChat that platforms use web novels to train AI for vertical learning in online literature creation, aiming to become "experts" and potentially replace mid-tier authors, with less impact on top authors.
The controversy escalated when ByteDance's AI product, Doubao, could provide detailed chapter outlines for multiple works, including paid content from other platforms.
A Tomato Novel contracted author told reporters that Doubao summarized works from both Tomato Novel and other platforms, generating surprisingly detailed chapter synopses, including characters and plots not mentioned in the original summaries.
Many web novel authors expressed strong dissatisfaction, feeling their hard work was being used to "feed" AI, threatening the original creative ecosystem. They called for stopping updates or leaving the platform.
Tomato Novel stated that the AI-assisted writing clause was intended to develop tools to help authors improve writing efficiency and reading experience. They claimed only pen names would be used for AI training, not other personal information.
Zhang Shule believes that AI's development may significantly impact mid-tier authors, while top authors with strong creativity and platform connections are less likely to be affected.
Tomato Novel has launched a feature allowing users to opt out of the AI-related terms in response to the authors' protests.
AI has been expanding into various creative fields, including music, painting, and now literature. Other platforms like "Seven Cats" and China Literature are also exploring AI applications in web novel creation.
Some creators worry that mass-produced AI novels will reduce opportunities for original authors. Tomato Novel responded by stating they haven't released any pure AI-written works and won't use AI writing capabilities against authors' wishes.
As AI develops, copyright-related legal issues have become a focus for the industry. Wang Rongmei, a partner at Beijing Jingshi Law Firm, believes platforms risk infringement by using authors' works without permission.