Anthony Benson v. ANCESTRY.COM OPERATIONS INC.

Case 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.

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

Key Allegations

• 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.

Requested Relief

• 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

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.

Jurisdiction & Venue

This Court has subject-matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1331 and 42 U.S.C. § 12182 because Plaintiff’s claims arise under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).