WASHINGTON–Credit unions are again being urged to ensure their websites are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to avoid being targeted by lawsuits.
As CUToday.info reported here, a bill has been introduced in Congress to limit such “frivolous” lawsuits against credit unions. As CUToday.info reported here, one lawyer said his firm is being frequently contacted by credit unions on the receiving ends of such litigation.
Now, CUNA CEO Jim Nussle has sent a letter saying he has also been contacted about “lawsuits that have drastically increased around the country alleging that individual credit union websites are inaccessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
In response, he urged credit unions to ensure their websites follow Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0. “While compliance ambiguities remain, this is at least one step you can take to protect your credit union against a potential lawsuit or demand letter,” Nussle wrote.
CUNA’s CEO noted the Department of Justice began considering developing regulations to address the issue more than seven years ago, but never completed the process. Since there is now an absence of clear standards, CUNA and the leagues are seeking to resolve this matter with the support of Congress at the Department of Justice, he said. He noted CUNA has also sent a letter in support of legislation that seeks to address other predatory litigation under the ADA, and CUNA has asked for it to be expanded to address its concerns surrounding website accessibility litigation.