Were image alt texts used for training AI?

[cung]

At one point I remember having had to add image alt texts to all photos on our website at work. Was it all just a plan to get people to create free datasets for training image creating neural networks?

[jruohonen]

Probably, although an altruistic motive of accessibility was likely involved too.

[perilunar]

More likely the motive was to avoid being sued under one of the many accessibility laws that were introduced worldwide.