FTC AI Accuracy Policy Statement
FTC Policy Statement Concerning the Suppression of Accuracy in Artificial Intelligence Systems (Proposed)
Proposed FTC enforcement policy stating that steering AI system outputs toward undisclosed objectives, contrary to users' reasonable expectations of accuracy and objectivity, is likely a deceptive practice under Section 5 of the FTC Act - including where the steering is done to comply with state AI laws.
Jurisdiction
United States
Enacted
Pending
Effective
TBD
Enforcement
Federal Trade Commission
Proposed policy statement published for public comment July 7, 2026 (91 Fed. Reg. 41638; Docket FTC-2026-0859, Matter No. P264200). Comment period closed July 31, 2026; awaiting final Commission action.
Federal Register (GovInfo)Why It Matters
First FTC policy statement squarely addressing accuracy and output-steering in AI systems; it positions federal deception authority as a counterweight to state AI output requirements, making it a key instrument in the federal-state AI preemption dispute.
Recent Developments
Issued pursuant to Executive Order 14365 (December 11, 2025), which directed the FTC to address how state laws requiring alteration of AI outputs may conflict with the FTC Act; the statement cites Colorado's revised AI Act as an example of such a law. Comment period closed July 31, 2026.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- AI system developers and providers making explicit or implicit representations about output accuracy or objectivity
- Chatbot and generative AI operators
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Treats undisclosed ideological or commercial steering of AI outputs as potentially deceptive under FTC Act Section 5
- States that compliance with a state law requiring alteration of accurate outputs is not a defense to a Section 5 deception charge
- Distinguishes deceptive steering from AI hallucinations (incorrect outputs from technical limitations, outside scope), while noting that misrepresenting the likelihood of hallucinations could itself be deceptive
Compliance & Enforcement
Penalties
Enforcement under FTC Act Section 5 (unfair or deceptive acts or practices); the policy statement creates no new penalty structure.
View on map
United States
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
United States. (n.d.). FTC Policy Statement Concerning the Suppression of Accuracy in Artificial Intelligence Systems (Proposed).
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Last updated August 3, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.