Unfair and deceptive robots

Abstract

Robots, like household helpers, personal digital assistants, automated cars, and personal drones, are or will soon be available to consumers. These robots raise common consumer protection issues, such as fraud, privacy, data security, and risks to health, physical safety, and finances. Robots also raise new consumer protection issues. Yet, it is unclear what consumer protection rules for robots should look like. The thesis of the chapter is that the FTC's grant of authority and existing jurisprudence make it the preferable regulatory agency for protecting consumers who buy and interact with robots. The FTC has proven to be a capable regulator of communications, organizational procedures, and design, which are the three crucial concepts for safe consumer robots. Consumer robotics is an expansive field with great potential. A robust response by the FTC will allow the consumer robotics industry to thrive while preserving consumer trust and keeping consumers safe from harm.