We have spent the past month investigating allegations of AI use in the 2026 Commonwealth Short Story Prize.
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.
We did not use AI tools in this process, recognising that while they can serve as useful indicators of possible AI involvement, they cannot provide conclusive evidence on their own.
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 recognise this incident has been upsetting for many associated with the prize. It has also been an important learning process around a rapidly evolving issue. Further strengthening our processes is now an immediate priority.
Read the Director-General's full statement: https://commonwealthfoundation.com/2026-cw-prize-update/