Grammarly Faces Class Action Lawsuit for AI Feature Using Real Authors’ Identities

The AI-driven tool employed names of renowned writers like Stephen King and bell hooks. Grammarly has withdrawn its AI-powered Expert Review feature following accusations of using journalists’ and authors’ identities without consent, resulting in a class action lawsuit alleging the company’s use of writers’ names for profit. Launched with seven other AI agents last August, Expert Review was available in Grammarly’s Free and Pro plans, offering users content feedback. The feature promoted AI-generated insights claiming to derive from subject-matter experts, which users could personalize by selecting specific authors. Reports indicated the tool offered AI-generated edits under real authors’ names, causing backlash for misrepresenting writers without their knowledge or endorsement. Grammarly responded, allowing writers to opt-out. However, the measure was deemed insufficient as it didn’t cover deceased authors used by the tool, like Carl Sagan and bell hooks. Criticism rose, emphasizing a disconnect with ethical standards. Superhuman CEO Shishir Mehrotra announced the feature’s removal, signaling potential future revisions to provide experts control over representation. New York Times writer Julia Angwin filed a lawsuit against Grammarly developer Superhuman, seeking damages and injunctions against unauthorized use of writers’ identities.