Journalist Julia Angwin files class action lawsuit over Grammarly’s AI “sloppelgangers”

Grammarly, the popular AI-powered writing tool, is set to face a class action lawsuit over its "Expert Review" feature, which provides writing advice using the names of prominent journalists, academics, and authors without their consent. The lawsuit, filed by technology journalist Julia Angwin, has gained traction as more individuals express their objections to being featured in the tool.

The "Expert Review" feature, which Grammarly introduced to enhance its AI-driven editing capabilities, has come under scrutiny for its misuse of reputable names. The lawsuit, reported by Wired, alleges that Grammarly has been using the names of well-known figures to lend credibility to its suggestions, without obtaining proper authorization.

Julia Angwin, a technology journalist and the sole named plaintiff in the original filing, has taken legal action against Grammarly. Angwin, who currently works as a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times and directs a project studying audience and independent media at the Harvard Kennedy School, is also the founder of Proof News, an investigative news site that launched in 2024. Although Proof News has not been updated since early 2025, Angwin has announced plans to relaunch the site later this year with new leadership, while she remains the executive director. Additionally, Angwin is the author of an upcoming book, "On Courage: How to be a Dissident in an Age of Fear."

Angwin's lawyer, Peter Romer-Friedman, revealed that he has since received inquiries from "40 to 50 people" who object to being featured in Grammarly's AI-powered tool without their consent. This indicates that the issue may be more widespread than initially thought, and the class action lawsuit could potentially expand to include these individuals.

In an email, Angwin expressed her perspective on the matter, stating, "I do see this challenge as part of the fight!" This suggests that she views the lawsuit not only as a legal battle but also as an opportunity to address broader concerns about the misuse of personal information and intellectual property in the digital age.

The class action complaint, available on DocumentCloud, outlines the specific grievances against Grammarly. The lawsuit seeks to hold the company accountable for its actions and to prevent the unauthorized use of individuals' names and reputations in the future.

This case highlights the growing concerns surrounding the use of AI and machine learning in various industries, as well as the potential for these technologies to infringe on individuals' rights and privacy. As the legal battle unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Grammarly responds to the allegations and whether the company takes steps to address the issues raised in the lawsuit.

In the meantime, the story serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and consent when it comes to the use of personal information in digital products and services. As AI continues to play an increasingly significant role in our daily lives, it is crucial that companies adhere to ethical standards and respect the rights of individuals whose names and reputations are being used without their knowledge or approval.