FTC Fines accessiBe $1 Million for Deceptive Claims

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed a $1 million settlement with software provider accessiBe for allegedly making false claims about its AI-powered web accessibility product, accessWidget. The FTC's complaint asserts that the company misrepresented its ability to ensure compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and failed to disclose its financial relationships with reviewers. Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, emphasized the importance of trust in product capabilities, stating that overstating claims is deceptive. The proposed order would not only impose the fine but also prohibit accessiBe from making misleading statements and require clear disclosure of connections to endorsers. AccessiBe, which has faced criticism from advocacy groups regarding the effectiveness of its tools, has raised significant venture capital since its founding in 2018. The settlement is subject to a 30-day public comment period before it can be finalized.