2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize Update
Statement from Razmi Farook, Director-General of the Commonwealth Foundation, 22 June 2026
Last month, there were serious concerns raised regarding the alleged use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. In response to these allegations, we have initiated a review of the winning stories and begun a thorough review of our processes in response to AI.
We take immense pride in the Commonwealth Short Story Prize and truly appreciate the thousands of hours that writers dedicate to crafting their stories each year. This year, more than 7,800 writers entered stories, and we recognise our responsibility to ensure equality, fairness and integrity throughout the competition. Each winning story has been read by at least seven people, through multiple rounds of rigorous judging.
We have spent the past month thoroughly investigating allegations of AI use. We have not used AI tools due to concerns regarding artistic ownership and consent surrounding unpublished work from across the Commonwealth. Whilst these tools can serve as useful indicators of potential AI involvement, we also recognise the widely accepted view that they cannot provide conclusive evidence on their own. Therefore, we sought to gather further information to make an informed and fair decision.
We held detailed discussions with all regional winners about their creative process, and they collaborated fully in our review. We also examined evidence related to the development of their stories, including working drafts, time-stamped documents and notes. After a thorough consultation with our judges and careful consideration of all available information, we are satisfied that AI was not used to write the winning stories. Therefore, we will proceed with the regional winners selected by the independent judging process.
We have sought to demonstrate our commitment to the integrity of the Prize by undertaking this review. We also recognise the creativity and originality of the writers involved. We remain confident in the discernment of our judges and the merit of the stories they selected.
The 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize will conclude with the announcement of the overall winner on 30 June, alongside a film documenting the regional winners and the inspirations behind their work.
We recognise this incident has been upsetting for many associated with the prize – especially this year’s entrants, shortlisted writers, winners, readers and judges. The growth of AI has broad implications for artists and creatives, and we understand how this incident may have heightened those concerns. Questions about authenticity and trust matter more than ever. Writers should be able to feel confident that their work will be assessed fairly and that fair and proportionate processes exist to assess concerns around originality, if they arise.
This has been an important learning process around a rapidly evolving issue. It has highlighted where our approach to verifying originality and authenticity can improve. Further strengthening our processes is now an immediate priority. We have begun discussions with relevant organisations about the appropriate use of AI checkers in the context of literary prizes. We look forward to working with writers, literary organisations and others across the sector to contribute constructively to wider discussions around AI and the creative industries.
We thank the writers for their transparency and willingness to cooperate during this process, and the judging panel for their diligent support and professionalism. We are also grateful to everyone who has shown support, understanding and care during what has been a challenging time for many involved in the Prize and the wider literary community.
Q&A
How are the winning stories selected?
The judging begins with a diverse group of literary industry readers, including non-English language readers and translators, from across the Commonwealth. As they prepare the longlist, every story is read with care and diligence before it goes to the judges. The panel, literary experts from each region of the Commonwealth, collectively select the winners. Each winning story has been read by at least seven people, through multiple rounds of rigorous judging.
What is your response to recent changes in Granta’s editorial policy?
We are aware of Granta’s change in editorial policy. While we respect their decision, we remain confident in the integrity of our judging process and this review. We are grateful to Granta for providing a home to our winning stories for more than a decade. We look forward to new conversations and platforms through which the diverse stories from across the Commonwealth can be shared and celebrated.
Press contact: Ruth Killick publicity@ruthkillick.co.uk
