US to Strengthen AI Role in Online Video Accessibility

American lawmakers have introduced a bill updating accessibility requirements for streaming and videoconferencing powered by AI. Gizmodo reports.

The Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act would amend key provisions of existing federal rules. Among the proposals are improvements and expansions to the standards for closed captions and audio descriptions on streaming online platforms.

According to Senator Edward Markey, the bill would empower the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to “ensure that accessibility rules keep pace with new technologies, including AI and AR/VR platforms”.

“As technologies have evolved rapidly over the past two decades, much of our economy and daily life has moved online. Unfortunately, accessibility standards have largely remained the same, leaving people with disabilities behind,” said Representative Anna Eshoo.

According to her, in 2021 more than two-thirds of visually impaired people reported problems with the technologies needed to work. About 70% of hard-of-hearing students reported similar problems in educational settings, she added.

The authors of the current law welcomed the update. They said that since its adoption, technologies have advanced significantly.

FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel also endorsed the bill:

“We need to keep pace with new technologies. This law will help ensure that people with disabilities have full access to the communications products and services they need to participate fully in today’s world.”

The bill was endorsed by the Association of Blind Veterans, Communication Services for the Deaf, National Federation of the Blind, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, American Foundation for the Blind, and United Spinal Association.

In January, Google added automatic subtitle translation to Meet.

In May, Apple introduced Live Captions for iPhone, iPad and Mac. The real-time feature generates captions for streaming services, FaceTime, and other apps used for online conferencing.

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