Story perspectives

AI Censorship: Greater Manchester School Removes 200 Books

3/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Greater Manchester school used artificial intelligence to remove nearly 200 books, including George Orwell's 1984 and Michelle Obama's Becoming, as 'inappropriate'.
The librarian faced a safeguarding investigation and resigned after being accused of allowing these books.
The AI-generated list deemed titles unsuitable for themes such as violence and political content.
Index on Censorship condemned the move as an attack on intellectual freedom, and the school has not commented.

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Story summary

A Greater Manchester school used artificial intelligence to remove nearly 200 books, including George Orwell's 1984 and Michelle Obama's Becoming, as 'inappropriate'.
The librarian faced a safeguarding investigation and resigned after being accused of allowing these books.
The AI-generated list deemed titles unsuitable for themes such as violence and political content.
Index on Censorship condemned the move as an attack on intellectual freedom, and the school has not commented.