Grammarly removes AI Expert Review feature mimicking writers after backlash
Grammarly disabled its AI Expert Review feature and faces a lawsuit after writers protested its use of their styles without consent.Summary
Grammarly has removed its controversial AI-powered “Expert Review” feature after facing significant backlash and a multimillion-dollar lawsuit. The feature utilized generative AI to provide writing feedback in the style of prominent writers and academics, including Stephen King, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and the late Carl Sagan. A class-action lawsuit filed against Grammarly’s parent company, Superhuman, alleges unlawful use of individuals’ names for commercial gain, with potential damages exceeding $5 million. Writers like Casey Newton and Vanessa Heggie publicly criticized the feature, highlighting the unethical practice of monetizing their identities without permission. Investigative journalist Julia Angwin, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, expressed concern over the appropriation of her professional skills. Grammarly CEO Shishir Mehrotra apologized and announced a redesign of the feature, but also stated the company would “strongly defend” against the legal claims, asserting they are “without merit.” The feature, launched in 2009 as a grammar check tool, had added generative AI features last year, but saw limited usage before being taken down.
(Source：The Guardian)