As the internet becomes increasingly accessible, websites will need to enhance their accessibility by adhering to strict standards. WCAG 2.2 improves upon the previous version, and many companies use tools like the Free WCAG Checker & Validator found here to see what they can work on. Our article will examine these standards, what’s changed from previous versions, and why they are important for accessibility.
History of WCAG Standards
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of standards created by the World Wide Web Consortium. It is a non-profit organization created in 1994 by Tim Berners-Lee, and the first version of the WCAG was released on May 5, 1999. It included fourteen guidelines for web accessibility, such as:
- Don’t rely on colour alone
- Provide alternatives to audio and visual elements
- Designs must allow for device independence
- Provide clear navigation mechanisms
- Ensure documents are clear and simple
These guidelines would be increased to 17 with Version 2, which became an ISO international standard in October 2012. While Version 3 is being developed, Version 2 has undergone two iterations that expand the criteria and adjust the guidelines, with Version 2.2 being released on October 5, 2023. Currently, the WCAG has 61 success criteria with varying levels of priority.
Why Following the Standards is Important
These standards are crucial for allowing readers to browse websites comfortably, which can help information, l ike news articles, reach a wider audience . Each country has its own laws that dictate the standards websites must meet. For example, the American Disabilities Act has an accessibility guide for state apps and local governments. The ADA’s guidelines also apply to:
- Public school districts
- Public libraries
- Healthcare providers
- Law firms
- Financial institutions
Failure to comply with these standards can lead to lawsuits in some cases, and it can also negatively impact the website’s reputation. Meanwhile, the WCAG has three levels of compliance, with A being the minimum, AA being the standard that everyone must meet, and AAA being an ideal but not mandatory.
Version Differences
Version 2.2 of the WCAG primarily improves upon the previous iterations of the guidelines. It adds some new criteria and even removes others, such as parsing, as assistive technology no longer requires direct parsing of HTML. To help you get a better idea of the differences with previous versions, we’ve summarized the nine new criteria:
- When using keyboard controls, the focused element must remain partially visible
- The AAA level requires the element to be fully visible
- Focus indicators must meet a minimum size and contrast requirement
- Anything that can be done through dragging must have an alternative method, like clicking or tapping
- Elements like buttons need to be at least 24×24 pixels
- Features like contact links need to be in the same place on every page
- Users shouldn’t have to re-enter information they’ve already filled out
- Authentication can’t require people to remember passwords
- The AAA level requires puzzle authentication to have more accessible alternatives
All of these new elements are adapted to changes in technology, making it easier for users to navigate websites. One of the most useful new changes is that you no longer have to complete complex authentication puzzles or remember numerous passwords to use your account.
Requirements in Different Countries
As social media news becomes more widespread, different sites will also need to adapt so they can compete in accessibility. However, each country’s government has its own adoption of the standards, such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, which requires an AA level of WCAG 2.0 from websites. Some of the other standards include:
- AA of WCAG 2.1 for the U.S.
- AA of WCAG 2.1 for the EU
- AA of WCAG 2.0 for Australia
- AA of WCAG 2.2 for New Zealand
While each country should reach a similar standard, allowing people to have a smooth experience, it’s essential to be aware of these differences. New Zealand updated its standards to 2.2 in 2025, so other countries will likely do the same in the future.
Conclusion
While AI is becoming more common in journalism, accessibility shouldn’t be neglected. Reporting sites have a duty to make their content available to as many people as possible, so they can stay informed about current events. That’s why news websites need to meet the latest WCAG standards.