Grammarly caught using AI to simulate dead writers… again

You may recall that AI writing and editing helper Grammarly admitted to shitting the bed last month when it was caught allowing its users to polish their scribbling in the writing style of well-known journalists, without those journalists' permission. There was more poop earlier this year, when the company was found to be using the writing voice of dead authors to edit and critique its subscribers' work. With this in mind, no one should be shocked to discover that no sooner than they'd changed the sheets, someone at Grammarly HQ played the Brown Note once more, and well…

Grammarly is being accused of "necromancy" after users discovered a feature for reviewing manuscripts with AI versions of real professors — some of whom have already left this mortal coil. Medieval historian Verena Krebs shared a screenshot showing historian David Abulafia listed as an available expert. He died in January.

I'm not sure if this stems from refusing to stray from an established business model, disdain for the public, or abject stupidity. Whatever the answer for the company's stunning refusal to stop punching itself, academics are reportedly pissed. A recent study revealed that even limited use of artificial intelligence for studying, writing, or research can make you stupid. Just imagine what is happening to the folks working at a company that makes the apps that make that utility possible.

Previously:

• Grammarly now summons dead authors to critique your writing
• AI writing witch hunts hurt autistic writers most
• A $5 AI book draft that fools writing detectors