The cloud-based AI writing assistant Grammarly is facing a new class action lawsuit that accuses the company of exploiting the names of well-known journalists and authors to sell AI writing feedback.
In a lawsuit filed with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, award-winning journalist Julia Angwin, on behalf of all class members, alleges that Grammarly violated privacy and publicity laws by using the identities of writers and editors without their consent.
Angwin claims that the company sold its “Expert Review” feature for $12 a month, which allows users to upload writing and receive feedback presented as coming from prominent journalists, editors and authors.
According to the lawsuit, the tool presented guidance as if it were coming from recognized figures, including Angwin and bestselling author Stephen King.
The plaintiffs claim Grammarly never sought or obtained permission from the individuals whose names were used in the product. They also allege that Grammarly used the identities of multiple journalists, writers, editors and other professionals to market the feature.
Says Angwin,
“I have worked for decades honing my skills as a writer and editor, and I am distressed to discover that a tech company is selling an imposter version of my hard-earned expertise.”
Peter Romer-Friedman, the lawyer for the plaintiffs, says using a person’s identity to promote or sell products without permission violates state privacy laws.
“For over 100 years, New York law has prohibited companies from using a person’s name for commercial purposes without their consent. The law does not provide an exception for technology companies or AI.”
The case seeks class-action status covering all individuals whose names and identities were allegedly used in the tool without authorization.
The lawsuit also asks the court to block Grammarly from continuing to use the names of those writers and to award damages for the alleged unauthorized commercial use.
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