Google responds to claim that it stole NPR hosts voice

Source: Mashable Tech

Background

Radio host David Greene – former co‑host of NPR’s Morning Edition and current host of the Left, Right, & Center podcast from NPR member station KCRW – has filed a lawsuit against Google. Greene alleges that Google copied his distinctive voice for its NotebookLM AI tool, which can auto‑generate podcasts. He learned about NotebookLM from a former coworker and said he was “completely freaked out.”

Lawsuit Details

• Filing date: January 23, 2026, in California.
• Allegations:
  • Google “sought to replicate Mr. Greene’s distinctive voice … to create synthetic audio products that mimic his delivery, cadence, and persona.”
  • Violation of California’s statutory right of publicity (unauthorized use of likeness).
  • Breach of California’s unfair competition law.
  • Unjust enrichment from Greene’s voice.

Google’s Response

Google told The Washington Post and other outlets that NotebookLM’s audio overviews do not use Greene’s voice. A Google spokesperson, José Castañeda, told Gizmodo that the male voice in NotebookLM is “based on a paid professional actor Google hired,” calling the allegations “baseless.”

Broader Context

The use of individuals’ likenesses and copyrighted material in AI models has sparked numerous legal disputes:

• 2024: OpenAI removed its AI‑powered voice “Sky” after claims it resembled Scarlett Johansson, who had not granted permission.
• Lawsuits have targeted major tech and AI companies for training models on copyrighted content.
• In January 2024, artists including Johansson launched a campaign against AI “slop and theft.”

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, alleging copyright infringement in the training and operation of its AI systems.

References

• Greene’s lawsuit coverage: Washington Post
• Google’s statement to Gizmodo: Gizmodo article
• OpenAI voice controversy: Mashable on Sky voice
• AI training copyright lawsuits: Mashable on AI copyright issues
• Artists’ campaign against AI theft: Mashable campaign article