NPR’s David Greene Sues Google Over Alleged Unauthorized Use of His Voice in AI Podcast Tool
Washington, D.C., February 15, 2026 — David Greene, the longtime NPR radio host renowned for his distinctive voice, has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging the tech giant used his voice without permission to create an artificial intelligence-powered podcasting tool known as NotebookLM.
Greene, who has spent decades cultivating his broadcast delivery style, said he first learned about the AI-generated voice resembling his own through an email from a former colleague in late 2024. The message asked if Greene had licensed his voice to Google, as the AI tool was producing podcasts featuring a voice that sounded remarkably like his. "I was completely freaked out when I heard it," Greene said, expressing deep concern about the unauthorized replication.
The lawsuit accuses Google of violating Greene’s rights by building and deploying a product that effectively cloned his voice without any form of payment or consent. Google’s NotebookLM is designed to generate podcasts and audio content on demand by synthesizing human-like voices, but Greene’s complaint highlights the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI-created media that mimics real individuals.
This case brings to light an emerging controversy in the technology industry regarding the unauthorized use of personal voice data to train AI models. While voice synthesis technology offers many promising applications, it also raises questions about intellectual property, consent, and compensation for the original voice owners.
The Washington Post spoke with Greene, who emphasized how integral his voice has been to his journalism career. “It’s not just about the sound; it’s about the identity I’ve built over decades,” he said. The lawsuit seeks not only damages but also an injunction to prevent Google from continuing to use his voice in this manner.
Google declined to comment directly on the lawsuit but has previously stated that it adheres to ethical guidelines and complies with relevant laws in its AI development practices.
As AI technology advances rapidly, Greene’s case could set important precedents regarding the rights of public figures and content creators in the digital age. It raises critical questions about how voice data is collected, used, and monetized in an increasingly AI-driven media landscape.
The legal proceedings are expected to unfold over the coming months, with many in the industry watching closely for implications on the use and regulation of synthetic voices.
David Greene is a widely respected NPR host known for his reportage and storytelling, having built a recognizable voice on the air over several decades.
