Grammarly is using our identities without permission (www.theverge.com)

Grammarly's recent launch of its “expert review” feature has sparked controversy as it utilizes the identities of well-known writers and editors without their consent. The AI feature, which debuted in August, claims to provide users with feedback inspired by the work of industry experts, including prominent figures like Stephen King and Neil deGrasse Tyson, as well as several journalists from The Verge. However, users have discovered that their own colleagues' names are used to provide AI-generated suggestions without permission, leading to concerns over identity misuse and professional integrity. This incident raises significant ethical questions within the AI/ML community regarding the use of publicly available content without clear consent, as well as the accuracy of the AI-generated suggestions. Critics have noted that many references in the feature are outdated or incorrect, and the source links often lead to unreliable or unrelated content. Furthermore, by presenting AI suggestions that mimic real user edits, Grammarly risks misleading users into thinking they are receiving personalized advice from actual experts when in fact, the AI's interpretations might misrepresent their styles and preferences. This situation underscores the need for clearer guidelines and permissions related to the use of individuals' identities and works in AI applications.