Jack Thorne Warns Fellow Writers Are Using AI to Cheat

He compared it to plagiarism

Playwright and screenwriter Jack Thorne has accused some fellow scriptwriters of secretly using artificial intelligence to cut corners in their work, calling the practice a form of cheating that undermines the integrity of storytelling. Speaking in London, Thorne warned that when writers rely on AI without disclosure, they enable studios and streamers to shift blame onto creatives while avoiding accountability for how content is produced and valued. He argued that this lack of transparency gives powerful platforms an excuse to exploit writers further, particularly as governments fail to act on the growing ethical and legal challenges posed by AI in creative industries. Thorne, best known for co-writing the BAFTA-winning series Adolescence, said the issue is not AI itself but its covert use in scripts, treatments, and dialogue without informing collaborators or employers.

He stressed that writers who use AI to generate ideas or drafts and then present them as wholly human work are eroding trust within the industry. This deception, he said, allows producers to claim writers are replaceable or inefficient, justifying lower pay, tighter deadlines, and reduced creative control. Thorne called for urgent legislation to ban the secret use of AI in professional writing, arguing that transparency is essential to protect both artistic integrity and workers’ rights. Why Disclosure Matters in Creative Work Thorne explained that the problem lies not in using AI as a tool, but in hiding its involvement from agents, producers, and fellow writers.

He compared it to plagiarism, saying that presenting AI-generated material as original work violates the implicit contract of honesty in creative collaboration. „If you’re using AI to write a scene and you don’t tell anyone, you’re not just cutting corners — you’re lying,” he said. He added that such dishonesty makes it harder to negotiate fair contracts, as studios can point to inconsistent output or claim writers are not delivering value when, in fact, the work may have been machine-assisted. Thorne urged writers’ unions to establish clear guidelines requiring disclosure of AI use, similar to how adaptations or true-story credits are currently handled. How Are Studios Responding to AI Use? According to Thorne, many studios and streamers are staying silent on the issue, benefiting from the ambiguity.

He proposed laws that would require disclosure of AI use in any commercially produced script, treatment

He claimed that when problems arise — such as derivative plots or flat characters — executives can blame the writer rather than examine their own reliance on cost-cutting technologies. This dynamic, he argued, creates a dangerous feedback loop where writers feel pressured to use AI to keep up, then are punished when the results fall short. Thorne noted that no major production company has publicly admitted to using AI in script development, despite widespread speculation. He called for independent audits of writing processes and greater transparency from platforms about how they evaluate and commission work in the age of AI. What Laws Are Needed to Protect Writers? Thorne insisted that voluntary guidelines are not enough and that legal frameworks must be established to prevent abuse.

He proposed laws that would require disclosure of AI use in any commercially produced script, treatment, or screenplay, with penalties for non-disclosure similar to those for failing to credit sources. Such rules, he said, would protect writers from being unfairly blamed while also ensuring that AI is used as a supplement — not a substitute — for human creativity. He urged the UK government to follow the lead of the EU’s AI Act by classifying scriptwriting as a high-risk area for AI misuse, given its impact on cultural expression and livelihoods. Frequently Asked Questions Is Jack Thorne against all use of AI in writing? No, Thorne criticized the secret or deceptive use of AI, not the technology itself. He acknowledged AI could be a helpful tool if used transparently and ethically. What does Thorne want the government to do?

He called for laws banning the undisclosed use of AI in professional writing, requiring transparency and protecting writers from exploitation. Why does Thorne believe studios benefit from AI secrecy? He argued that studios can blame writers for poor-quality work while avoiding responsibility for enabling or encouraging AI use without oversight.