Grammarly has disabled its "Expert Review" artificial intelligence feature following controversy over the tool's use of real writers' and academics' names without permission. The company announced Wednesday that it was shutting down the feature while it works to redesign it.

The Expert Review feature presented editing suggestions to users as being "inspired by" established authors, journalists, and academics. Among those whose names were used without consent were staff members from technology publication The Verge, including its editor-in-chief.

The feature's operation sparked criticism from writers and publications who discovered their names were being used to endorse AI-generated content recommendations. Users would see suggestions presented as coming from or being influenced by these real experts, despite the individuals having no involvement in creating the recommendations.

Grammarly stated it plans to "reimagine the feature to make it more useful for users, while giving experts real control" over how their expertise is represented. The company has not provided a timeline for when or if a revised version of the feature might be reintroduced.

The incident has also resulted in legal action, with a class action lawsuit filed against Grammarly over the Expert Review feature. The lawsuit focuses on the company's use of established writers' and academics' names and reputations without obtaining their consent first.