Grammarly recently introduced a new feature called "Expert Review," which utilizes artificial intelligence to mimic editorial feedback from renowned figures such as Stephen King and Carl Sagan. However, the company did not obtain consent from the numerous professionals whose names were used in this feature.
Julia Angwin, a prominent journalist, has initiated a class action lawsuit against Superhuman, Grammarly's parent company. She contends that the company infringed upon the privacy and publicity rights of writers by using their identities without permission. This lawsuit allows other affected authors to join her cause.
Angwin expressed her dismay, stating, "I have spent decades refining my skills as a writer and editor, and I am troubled to learn that a tech company is profiting from a counterfeit version of my expertise." This case is particularly poignant given Angwin's background in investigating technology's influence on privacy.
Critics, including AI ethicist Timnit Gebru, also found their names included in Grammarly's feature. The "Expert Review" is accessible only to subscribers who pay an annual fee of $144, yet many users have reported that the feedback provided lacks depth and insight.
Casey Newton, another journalist impersonated by Grammarly, tested the feature with one of his articles. The AI-generated feedback, purportedly from Kara Swisher, was so vague that it raised questions about the rationale behind using these authors' likenesses.
Newton shared the AI's response with Swisher, who reacted with frustration, stating, "You rapacious information and identity thieves better get ready for me to go full McConaughey on you. Also, you suck."
In response to the backlash, Grammarly has temporarily disabled the "Expert Review" feature. Shishir Mehrotra, CEO of Superhuman, acknowledged the concerns while still defending the feature's underlying concept.
Mehrotra suggested that the feature aimed to forge a connection between experts and users, akin to how Grammarly has established itself in the writing community. He envisioned a future where users could receive tailored feedback from various professionals, enhancing their writing skills and fostering collaboration.
This incident raises important questions about the ethical implications of AI in creative fields and the necessity for transparency and consent. As technology continues to evolve, it will be crucial to navigate these challenges thoughtfully, ensuring that the rights of individuals are respected while harnessing the potential of AI for innovation.