AI Law - International Review of Artificial Intelligence LawCC BY-NC-SA Commercial Licence
G. Giappichelli Editore

31/01/2025 - AI Company Penalized $1 Million for Misleading Accessibility Claims (USA)

argument: Notizie/News - Consumer Law

Source: National Law Review

An AI company has been fined $1 million for falsely promoting its web accessibility solutions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action after the company exaggerated the capabilities of its software, which claimed to make websites fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Investigations revealed the product lacked comprehensive functionality and failed to comply with accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1.

The settlement highlights the growing scrutiny of AI claims, particularly in sectors impacting vulnerable populations. The company must also implement stricter marketing practices and submit regular compliance reports to the FTC. This case sets a precedent for accountability in AI marketing, urging companies to provide transparent and evidence-backed claims about their technology.

Regulators and advocacy groups view the ruling as a victory for consumer rights and accessibility. The fine sends a clear message to tech companies about the legal risks of misleading advertisements and the ethical obligations in AI product development.