NPR Host Sues Google Over Alleged Voice Theft for AI Podcast Tool

David Greene claims Google used his voice without permission for its NotebookLM AI podcast generator.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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David Greene, a longtime NPR radio host, is suing Google for allegedly using his voice without permission in the company's AI-powered podcast tool, NotebookLM. Greene claims the male podcaster voice in NotebookLM sounds identical to his own voice, with the same cadence, intonation, and verbal tics. Google has denied the allegations, stating the voice is based on a paid professional actor.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights the growing tensions around the use of people's voices and likenesses in AI systems, as companies race to develop new technologies. It raises questions about consent, copyright, and the rights of individuals whose voices may be used to train AI models without their knowledge or approval.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Greene first learned of the alleged voice theft when a former colleague emailed him about the similarity between his voice and the male podcaster voice in NotebookLM. Greene said he was "completely freaked out" when he heard the AI-generated voice, which he claims sounds just like him. The lawsuit cites an unnamed AI forensic firm that analyzed the audio and gave a 53% to 60% confidence rating that Greene's voice was used to train the bot. Google has denied the claims, stating the voice is based on a paid professional actor.

  • In fall 2024, after the launch of NotebookLM, Greene's former co-worker emailed him about the similarity between his voice and the male podcaster voice in the tool.
  • On January 23, 2026, Greene filed the lawsuit against Google in Santa Clara County, California.

The players

David Greene

A longtime NPR radio host who previously hosted 'Morning Edition' and 'Up First,' and currently voices KCRW's 'Left, Right & Center' podcast.

Google

The technology company that developed the AI-powered podcast tool, NotebookLM, which Greene claims used his voice without permission.

Joshua Michelangelo Stein

A partner at Boies Schiller Flexner, the law firm representing Greene in his lawsuit against Google.

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What they’re saying

“I was, like, completely freaked out. It's this eerie moment where you feel like you're listening to yourself.”

— David Greene, NPR Host (The Washington Post)

“These allegations are baseless. The sound of the male voice in NotebookLM's Audio Overviews is based on a paid professional actor Google hired.”

— José Castañeda, Google Spokesperson (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights the growing concerns around the use of individuals' voices and likenesses in AI systems, and the need for clear guidelines and consent protocols to protect people's rights as these technologies continue to advance.