Grammarly Is Facing a Class Action Lawsuit Over Its AI ‘Expert Review’ Feature

Grammarly, the writing software company, is being sued in a class action lawsuit initiated by journalist Julia Angwin over its now-discontinued “Expert Review” AI tool. The suit alleges that Grammarly misappropriated the names and identities of hundreds of writers, journalists, and experts—including Stephen King and Neil deGrasse Tyson—without their consent to provide editing suggestions, effectively using their reputations for profit. While a disclaimer stated these experts hadn't endorsed the tool, many expressed frustration at having their work and likenesses used by the AI.

Angwin’s attorney argues that this practice violates New York and California laws prohibiting the commercial use of a person’s name and likeness without permission. Superhuman, Grammarly’s parent company, has already disabled the feature and apologized, stating they “missed the mark” and will redesign it to give experts control over their representation.

The lawsuit seeks to prevent Grammarly and Superhuman from continuing to use individuals’ names and attributing false statements to them, highlighting a broader concern about the appropriation of professional skills and identities by AI technologies without consent.

(Source：WIRED)