Amazon has introduced a new generative AI feature for its Kindle app, aiming to deepen reader engagement by allowing them to ask questions about the books they are reading. However, the rollout has sparked significant controversy, as the feature is being applied retroactively to thousands of existing titles without the consent of authors or publishers, and users are given no option to disable it.
The "Ask This Book" Feature Explained
Amazon's new "Ask This Book" feature is a generative AI chatbot integrated directly into the Kindle app for iOS. When reading a supported book, users can highlight a section of text and tap an "Ask" button to query the AI about plot points, character relationships, themes, and other narrative elements. Amazon promises the AI provides contextual, spoiler-free answers to help readers stay immersed without needing to leave the app to search online. The company states the feature is currently active for "thousands" of English-language books and is designed to respond quickly to user inquiries, even offering pre-written question prompts to get the conversation started.
Feature Name: Ask This Book Function: Generative AI chatbot for querying book content. Current Availability: Kindle app for iOS (U.S. only). Future Availability: Android app and Kindle e-readers in 2026. Supported Content: "Thousands" of pre-existing English-language books. Key Controversy: No opt-out for authors, publishers, or users.
A Controversial Mandatory Rollout
The most contentious aspect of the launch is its mandatory nature. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed to Publishers Lunch that "the feature is always on, and there is no option for authors or publishers to opt titles out." This policy applies even to books published long before the feature was conceived. This approach has drawn sharp criticism for disregarding the rights and preferences of content creators, who were not consulted about having their intellectual property used to train or interact with Amazon's AI. The move parallels other tech giants' strategies, like Meta's integration of its AI assistant, which also cannot be disabled by users.
Concerns Over Accuracy and Rights
Beyond the lack of consent, significant concerns exist about the AI's potential for "hallucination"—a known issue where generative AI models invent plausible-sounding but incorrect information. Amazon has not publicly detailed the safeguards in place to prevent the AI from misrepresenting a book's content or providing false answers, which could negatively alter a reader's interpretation and experience of the work. Furthermore, the company has reportedly dodged questions from industry publications about the licensing rights it is relying on to deploy this AI on copyrighted material, leaving authors and publishers in the dark about the legal and financial implications.
Limited Availability and Future Expansion
As of mid-December 2025, "Ask This Book" is only available within the Kindle app on iOS devices for users in the United States. Amazon has announced plans to bring the feature to the Android version of the app and to Kindle e-reader devices themselves in 2026. This staggered release leaves a large portion of the Kindle user base waiting, while the initial iOS rollout serves as a live test of the technology and the reaction it provokes from the literary community and readers alike.
The Broader Implications for Digital Reading
The introduction of "Ask This Book" represents a significant shift in how digital reading platforms are evolving, increasingly embedding AI not as an optional tool but as a default layer of interaction. For some readers, this may enhance comprehension and engagement. For others, including many authors, publishers, and educators, it raises alarms about artistic integrity, copyright, and the potential for academic dishonesty. Amazon's decision to make the feature irreversible for any title it supports sets a precedent that could influence other platforms, forcing a broader conversation about creator rights and user agency in the age of integrated AI.