Air India, owned by the Tata Group, said it was considering taking legal action against an advertising campaign by Builder.ai, which the airlines notes falsely claimed to have developed a prototype app for. the carrier.
Air India alleged that Builder.ai launched an advertising campaign in print, digital media and OOH, claiming to have developed a prototype app specifically for the airline.
The airline clarified that it “did not award any contract or give permission to Builder.ai to develop an application”. Nor has it “engaged their services for any digital activity,” the carrier noted in a public notice shared on Twitter.
The carrier further pointed out that Builder.ai allegedly ran a print ad in “major newspapers” that includes a QR code. This QR code links to the prototype app, in which the Air India logo and brand appear distinctly. “The prototype was developed without Air India’s involvement or consent,” the carrier noted in the official statement.
Builder.ai also posted about the app prototype on Twitter. “Hey, @airindiain it finally happened!” the developer wrote. The developer called the prototype a “gift” to Air India. They also shared a GIF that says “Hey Air India, you’ve landed and our hearts have taken off.”
Builder.ai also shared a link that redirects those who click on it to the prototype app’s product tutorial. Here the developer asks users if they think Air India should “build the app” with Builder.ai. The developer claims that voting for them can help users win a “free flight” with certain terms and conditions.
This is what the prototype allegedly developed by Builder.ai looks like:
Air India has warned that any data collected through this Builder.ai QR code/app poses a potential risk of misuse. “Air India will not be held liable as India will not be held liable for any misuse of the data or any financial implications arising therefrom.”
“It should also be noted that while the advertisement suggests that free tickets can be won by participants, Air India is not committed to providing free tickets for this activity,” Air India wrote, adding that it was considering appropriate action against the sender of the advertisement.
