Full Breakdown
Grammarly Disables Controversial AI Feature Amid Legal Backlash
3/14/2026, 7:15:04 PM
Overview of the Controversy
Grammarly, the widely used writing assistant developed by Superhuman, has disabled its "Expert Review" feature following significant backlash from writers and a class-action lawsuit. This feature, which launched in late 2025, utilized artificial intelligence to generate editing suggestions that mimicked the styles of well-known authors and academics, including Stephen King and Neil deGrasse Tyson, without their consent.
Legal Action and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed by investigative journalist Julia Angwin in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Grammarly misappropriated the identities of hundreds of professionals to profit from its AI tool. Angwin's complaint emphasizes that the unauthorized use of these identities violates privacy and publicity rights, with damages claimed to exceed $5 million. The suit argues that the feature exploited the reputations of these individuals, undermining their control over their professional identities.
Criticism from Affected Individuals
Numerous writers expressed outrage upon discovering their names were used in the AI-generated feedback. Tech journalist Casey Newton criticized the feature as a "monetization of real identities," while Angwin described the experience as distressing, stating, “I am distressed to discover that a tech company is selling an imposter version of my hard-earned expertise.” The backlash intensified as more individuals, including deceased figures like historian David Abulafia, were found to be included without consent.
Official Responses and Apologies
In response to the growing criticism, Superhuman CEO Shishir Mehrotra issued a public apology, acknowledging that the feature misrepresented the voices of experts. He stated, “We received valid critical feedback from experts who are concerned that the agent misrepresented their voices… After careful consideration, we have decided to disable Expert Review while we reimagine the feature.” Despite the apology, Mehrotra maintained that the legal claims were "without merit" and expressed the company's intention to defend against them.
Technical and Ethical Concerns
The technical implementation of the "Expert Review" feature raised additional concerns. Reports indicated that the AI-generated feedback often lacked specificity and failed to accurately reflect the editorial styles of the referenced experts. Critics noted that the tool produced generic advice, leading to questions about its overall value and the ethical implications of using real identities without permission.
Broader Implications for AI Ethics
The controversy surrounding Grammarly's "Expert Review" feature highlights significant ethical challenges in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. As AI systems increasingly mimic human expertise, the need for clear consent and ethical guidelines becomes paramount. Legal experts suggest that this case could set important precedents regarding the commercial use of personal identities in AI applications, potentially influencing future regulations across the tech industry.
What's Next for Grammarly?
Moving forward, Grammarly has indicated plans to redesign the "Expert Review" feature to ensure that experts have control over how their identities are represented. The outcome of Angwin's lawsuit may not only impact Grammarly but could also shape the broader conversation about the ethical use of AI in professional contexts. As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications for both technology companies and creative professionals will be closely monitored.
