At issue is whether the sites are accessible to users who are visually or hearing (or otherwise) impaired. One of the first such suits was brought against Target Corp. by the National Federation of the Blind back in 2008, which resulted in a $6 million settlement.
Within the past six months, the National Basketball Association, Red Roof Inn and dating site eHarmony Inc. have all been sued by visually impaired plaintiffs claiming that the respective websites need to be “facilities” readily accessible to individuals with low vision under the ADA.
Not to be outdone, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has also been bringing suit on behalf of the ADA against certain consumer websites and mobile apps. In 2014, the DOJ announced settlements with tax preparers H&R Block Inc. and food-delivery service Peapod Inc. – both of which were accused of failing to accommodate individuals who have disabilities related to their eyesight, hearing or manually dexterity.
The DOJ has put off issuing guidelines on website accessibility until 2018. Till then, the makers of popular sites can only hope their sites are considered accessible.