Grammarly Hit with Class Action Lawsuit Over AI ‘Expert Review’ Feature
The tech company Superhuman, known for its writing software Grammarly, is facing a significant class action lawsuit. The lawsuit centers on Grammarly’s AI tool, which presented editing suggestions as if they originated from notable authors and academics without their consent.
Details of the Class Action Lawsuit
Julia Angwin, a prominent investigative journalist and founder of The Markup, is the primary plaintiff. The lawsuit does not specify damages but estimates that claims from the plaintiffs exceed $5 million. Angwin’s complaint comes on behalf of herself and others affected.
The lawsuit alleges that Grammarly misappropriated the names and identities of numerous writers, editors, and academics to generate profits for Superhuman. It was filed in the Southern District of New York.
Current Status of the ‘Expert Review’ Feature
Following substantial public backlash, Superhuman has decided to discontinue the Expert Review feature. Ailian Gan, the company’s product management director, acknowledged the missteps and stated, “We clearly missed the mark.”
Despite a disclaimer that indicated the featured individuals had not endorsed the tool, many writers expressed dissatisfaction at having their identities and words invoked without permission. Angwin’s attorney, Peter Romer-Friedman, emphasized that laws in New York and California prohibit the unauthorized commercial use of a person’s likeness.
The Broader Implications
Angwin’s legal action reflects a growing concern regarding the appropriation of professionals’ identities by technology companies. The lawsuit asserts, “it is unlawful to appropriate people’s names and identities for commercial purposes.” This sentiment highlights the need for clearer boundaries in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
- Plaintiff: Julia Angwin
- Lawsuit Filed: Southern District of New York
- Estimated Damages: Over $5 million
- Company Involved: Superhuman (Developer of Grammarly)
- Discontinued Feature: Expert Review
Angwin stated that discovering Grammarly’s use of her name felt like a form of digital cloning. She emphasizes that this issue extends beyond famous individuals, impacting regular journalists and professionals who have dedicated their careers to their craft.
This lawsuit represents a critical confrontation between technology and personal rights, as it seeks to protect the identities of creative professionals in an increasingly digital world.
