The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning tech companies to be mindful of their artificial intelligence (AI) claims. The FTC has issued a statement that it will take action against any company making false or unsubstantiated AI claims.
In the statement, the FTC said that they are concerned about “the potential for deceptive and unfair practices in connection with AI-related products and services”. They noted that many companies have been claiming their products use AI when they don’t, or exaggerating its capabilities. This could lead to consumers being misled into buying something that doesn’t actually do what was promised.
The FTC also warned companies not to make exaggerated health or safety claims related to their AI products without sufficient evidence backing them up. For example, if a company claimed an AI product would detect cancer early on but didn’t provide proof of this claim, then the FTC could take action against them for misleading customers.
The agency also cautioned businesses against using algorithms which may discriminate based on race, gender, age or other protected characteristics unless there is clear evidence showing why such discrimination is necessary and justified by law. Companies should also ensure they are transparent about how their algorithms work so customers can understand how decisions are made by the system as well as who might benefit from those decisions and who might be disadvantaged by them.
Finally, the FTC reminded businesses of existing laws regarding consumer privacy protection when collecting data through AI systems like facial recognition technology or voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home devices . Companies must inform users what data is being collected from them and how it will be used before collecting it in order to comply with these laws .
Overall , this statement serves as a reminder for tech companies to keep their promises honest when marketing new technologies powered by artificial intelligence . It’s important for businesses to remember that while innovation can bring great benefits , it must always be done responsibly . Consumers need assurance that any product marketed using terms like “AI” won’t mislead them into believing something untrue , nor put their personal information at risk due to inadequate security measures . By following these guidelines set forth by the FTC , tech firms can continue innovating while protecting consumers from harm caused by deceptive practices .
TechCrunch
