Microsoft Removes Blog Post Advising Use of Harry Potter Pirated Books for AI Training

• February 22, 2026

Microsoft has recently removed a blog post that recommended using pirated copies of Harry Potter books as a data source for training artificial intelligence models. The post, authored by senior product manager Pooja Kamath, initially appeared in November 2024 and attracted criticism for seemingly endorsing the use of unauthorized copyrighted materials in AI development.

Controversy Over AI Training Data Choices

In the deleted post, Kamath suggested that employing a well-known dataset, specifically the Harry Potter series, could resonate widely with users when training AI models. This approach raised concerns regarding the legality and ethics of utilizing pirated content for AI training purposes, as the books are protected by copyright.

Industry experts and observers highlighted the potential legal risks and intellectual property infringements resulting from such recommendations. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in sourcing legitimate and ethically sourced datasets for machine learning, especially given the demand for extensive and diverse training materials in AI research and development.

Microsoft has not issued a detailed public statement about the removal of the blog post or the specific circumstances that prompted the decision. However, the incident reflects broader debates within the tech community about balancing innovation with respect for copyright laws and content creators’ rights.

This episode also illustrates the sensitive nature of AI training data selection, an area attracting increasing scrutiny as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent. Researchers and companies alike continue to navigate complex legal frameworks to ensure compliance while advancing AI capabilities.

The removal of the post serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and adherence to intellectual property standards in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

Microsoft deleted a blog post that suggested using pirated Harry Potter books to train AI models amid criticism.