Fair Trade Commission Conducts Internal Review of Tesla's Autonomous Driving Exaggerated Advertising

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[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Fair Trade Commission (FTC) has reportedly begun reviewing issues related to Tesla's false advertising controversy regarding its autonomous driving technology. This article examines the advertising phrases and the definition of autonomous driving technology.

According to industry sources on the 19th, the FTC is currently investigating whether Tesla's advertisement of its 'Autopilot' technology as autonomous driving violates current laws such as the Act on Labeling and Advertising.

The FTC is also said to have inquired with related government ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, about autonomous driving technology.

Tesla's 'Autopilot' is a technology that allows the vehicle to automatically steer, accelerate, or brake on the road.

Since it is closer to driving assistance than full autonomous driving, there has been criticism that advertising it as autonomous driving is inappropriate.

Earlier, on the 14th (local time), the Munich Higher Regional Court in Germany ruled that Tesla's use of the term 'Autopilot' constitutes false advertising.

The German court concluded that traveling without human intervention using Tesla's 'Autopilot' technology is impossible.

The German court explained, "The use of the related term creates expectations for consumers that do not correspond to the actual facts."

On the 17th, the domestic civic group Consumer Sovereignty Citizens' Association also issued a statement demanding Tesla stop advertising, saying, "Tesla is exaggerating its advertisements to make consumers in our country mistakenly believe that the car operates autonomously."

The group urged the FTC and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to investigate the matter.

The FTC is reportedly internally assessing the stages of autonomous driving technology and the appropriateness of Tesla's advertisements.

However, the FTC's internal review does not necessarily mean an official investigation has begun.

While there is a possibility of investigating Tesla if necessary, there are internal opinions that it may be difficult for the FTC to target Tesla for investigation.

An FTC official said, "We cannot confirm whether an investigation into individual cases will be conducted."

However, the official added, "It cannot be concluded solely based on the name 'autonomous driving' that there is a legal violation. We need to examine the advertising phrases, the definition of autonomous driving technology, and related matters."

Another official said, "At this stage, it is difficult to view this issue as a general problem related to the Act on Labeling and Advertising."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.