Self-Publishing with ALLi News: Shopify Bot Attack Hits Authors, UK and EU Enforce AI and Safety Laws, US Plans Pro-Tech AI Policy
6 snips
Aug 8, 2025 A recent bot attack on Shopify is wreaking havoc for indie authors, leading to unexpected fees and stirring community concern. The discussion shifts to new UK age verification laws and their potential impact on various genres. Legislative changes in the EU and the US also come under scrutiny, particularly regarding the enforcement of the AI Act and proposed pro-tech policies. These developments raise important questions about copyright protections and the future landscape of author rights in the ever-evolving publishing industry.
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Shopify Bot Attack Hit Indie Authors
- Several indie authors reported a coordinated bot attack on Shopify that generated hundreds or thousands of fraudulent ebook purchases within minutes.
- Many refunds were slow, causing chargebacks and unreimbursed card fees that left authors out of pocket.
Security Can Be Pay-To-Play On Platforms
- Shopify reserves some advanced security controls for expensive Shopify Plus plans, effectively making stronger protection pay-to-play.
- This creates a vulnerability for indie authors who cannot afford the highest-tier fraud protections.
Tighten Your Shopify Security Settings
- Check and tighten your Shopify transaction settings and enable manual approvals where possible.
- Use the strictest fraud settings you can afford to reduce the risk of costly chargebacks and fees.