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Anthony Benson v. Ancestry.com Operations Inc.

Filed

Case details

Summary

According to the complaint, Anthony Benson, a legally blind individual, is suing Ancestry.com Operations Inc. for failing to make its website accessible to blind users. The complaint alleges that the website, which offers genealogy and DNA testing services, contains numerous accessibility barriers that prevent blind individuals from using its features independently. Key issues include unlabeled buttons, missing alt text, and broken links. The plaintiffs seek a permanent injunction to require Ancestry.com to make its website compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and to provide compensatory damages for the alleged discrimination.

About the defendant

Offers genealogy tools, DNA testing services, historical records, and subscription-based research platforms.

What the complaint says

The problems the plaintiff describes with the website.

  • Defendant's website is inaccessible to blind users due to multiple barriers.
  • Plaintiff encountered unlabeled buttons, missing alt text, and broken links.
  • Defendant failed to implement WCAG-compliant features despite prior litigation.

Legal claims

The laws the plaintiff says the defendant broke, called causes of action.

  • Violations of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. § 12182 et seq.
  • Violations of the New York City Human Rights Law (NYCHRL)
  • Violations of the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)
  • Violation of New York State Civil Rights (NYCRL)
  • Declaratory Relief

What the plaintiff asks for

What the plaintiff wants the court to order.

  • Permanent injunction requiring Defendant to revise its corporate policies to ensure website accessibility.
  • Compensatory damages for violations of civil rights under applicable laws.
  • Certification of the Class and Sub-Classes.

Proposed class

The group of people the plaintiff asks to represent, so the case can cover them too.

All legally blind individuals in the United States who have attempted to access www.ancestry.com and were denied equal access to its products, services, and support due to persistent digital accessibility barriers during the relevant statutory period.