Controversy Ignites as Grammarly Disables AI Feature Imitating Prominent Voices
Grammarly, a widely-known writing assistant tool, has recently come under fire for its controversial AI feature named Expert Review. The tool, designed to generate feedback mimicking the styles of renowned writers and academics, has raised serious ethical concerns and led to a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against its parent company, Superhuman.
What was the Expert Review Feature?
Expert Review used generative AI to produce writing feedback ostensibly influenced by celebrated figures such as novelist Stephen King, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, and the late scientist Carl Sagan. The tool aimed to provide users with personalized, topic-specific feedback to enhance their writing in both academic and professional settings. However, it quickly became a hotspot for controversy, prompting questions about the ethics of using identifiable voices without consent.
The Lawsuit and Its Implications
A class-action lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York against Superhuman, claiming that the company unlawfully used individuals’ names for commercial purposes without their authorization. The plaintiffs argue that the damages resulting from this infringement exceed $5 million (£3.7 million). Legal representatives indicate that this issue could resonate beyond just the current claims, potentially impacting how generative AI interacts with protectable identities in the future.
Authors and Academics Speak Out
Following the feature’s widely publicized debut, a number of writers have voiced their concerns about being included. Tech journalist Casey Newton expressed strong criticism, stating, “Grammarly curated a list of real people, gave its models free rein to hallucinate plausible-sounding advice on their behalf, and put it all behind a subscription.” Newton’s remarks emphasize the ethical dilemma posed by monetizing someone’s identity without their involvement or consent.
Academics have also reacted strongly. Vanessa Heggie, an associate professor at the University of Birmingham, criticized the inclusion of colleagues such as the late David Abulafia, branding the act as “obscene.”
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Julia Angwin: The Lead Plaintiff
One of the prominent figures in the lawsuit is investigative journalist Julia Angwin, who spoke to the BBC about her experience being featured in the writing assistant. Angwin likened the unauthorized use of her voice to deepfake technology traditionally associated with celebrities but noted that the situation was equally alarming for professionals in writing and editing. “Editing is a skill … it’s my livelihood, but it’s not something I’ve ever thought about anyone trying to steal from me before,” she explained.
The Backlash and Superhuman’s Response
In the aftermath of the backlash, Superhuman’s CEO Shishir Mehrotra issued an apology, acknowledging the valid concerns raised by experts worried about the misrepresentation of their voices. He reassured the public that the company recognizes its shortcomings and pledges to rethink its approach in the future. “We hear the feedback and recognize we fell short,” he stated on LinkedIn.
Despite announcing the temporary suspension of the Expert Review feature for redesign, Mehrotra maintains that the legal claims against the company are “without merit” and that Superhuman will “strongly defend” itself against the lawsuit.
The Evolution of Grammarly
Founded in 2009 as a basic spelling and grammar checker, Grammarly has undergone significant transformations, especially in recent years with the introduction of several generative AI features. Expert Review was intended to elevate users’ writing by offering insights reminiscent of established authorities in various fields. A blog post by the company touted the tool’s capability of providing subject-matter expertise tailored to rigorous academic and professional standards.
Legal and Ethical Future of Generative AI
The controversy surrounding Grammarly’s Expert Review highlights pressing questions about the legality and ethics of generative AI. As the technology continues to advance, the balance between innovation and individual rights remains delicate. Writers and academics are increasingly voicing concerns about protecting their identities and livelihoods, emphasizing the need for clear ethical guidelines governing AI technology.
With the landscape of writing technology poised to evolve rapidly, the ramifications of this lawsuit could offer insights that shape the future of generative AI ethics and usage.
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