At DataDome, our commitment to inclusivity is not just about enhancing user experience—it’s about upholding the right to accessible information for everyone.
Recently, we ensured that DataDome’s response pages comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2.AA standards. This comprehensive set of recommendations enhances web content accessibility for individuals with various disabilities: visual, auditory, mobility, speech, and photosensitivity impairments, as well as those with learning disabilities and cognitive limitations. These guidelines are applicable across all devices–desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobiles—ultimately improving usability for every user.
DataDome’s Commitment to Accessibility
DataDome is aware of the critical role that response pages play within our security framework. These pages are vital for distinguishing between bad bots and humans, and we are proud to report our 0.01% false positive rate. With DataDomesignificantly fewer humans get challenged or blocked than with any traditional CAPTCHA (including reCAPTCHA). Only 1 in 10,000 CAPTCHA challenges might be seen by a human, providing a seamless UX for real users.
Acknowledging the importance of accessibility, DataDome has engaged with the Valentin Haüy Associationa respected French organization for the visually impaired. This collaboration has been instrumental in refining our response pages to better serve users with special needs and minimize accessibility barriers. The association notes “DataDome’s CAPTCHA is very well-designed for the visually impaired.”
To empower users of our website, we have implemented UserWay. When activated, UserWay adapts website content, such as text or colors, to fit the needs the visitor requires, primarily visual or hearing adjustments.
DataDome also proudly boasts seven employee DEI resource groups, which we call pods. One of these is the Accessibility Podwhich advocates for DataDome’s products and services to be accessible to all, spearheading many initiatives like UserWay that transform how our employees and customers interact and use our services.
Enhancing Accessibility: The Response Page Roadmap to Compliance
The upcoming European Accessibility Act is set to reshape the landscape for digital products and services, emphasizing the need for full accessibility. In anticipation, DataDome is proactively upgrading to WCAG 2.2 AA compliance, addressing various user needs including those with visual impairments.
During this project, our primary aim was to elevate our response pages’ base template, in its original state before any customization, to meet the level AA criteria of the new WCAG 2.2 standards.
Our journey towards enhanced accessibility included a comprehensive audit by Ideanceexperts in web accessibility. Their insights have guided significant modifications to our response pages, ensuring they meet stringent accessibility standards. Our adjustments can be categorized into three key areas:
HTML Structure Improvements
We’ve enhanced our response pages for better accessibility by:
- Replacing many HTML markups with more semantic alternatives, improving clarity for screen readers.
- Adding attributes to convey element states (expanded/collapsed) and roles (e.g., device check validation or failure).
- Clarifying the action behind each button using descriptive text.
- Restructuring our page layouts for seamless keyboard navigation, making it easier for all users to navigate our site.
Content Refinement
Choosing clear, understandable language is crucial for accessibility. Adapting content to avoid jargon ensures it resonates with all audiences. For example, replacing terms like “CAPTCHA” with “verification tool” fosters inclusivity and comprehension. This approach is especially important for users reading in a second language. Adapting content enhances accessibility and inclusivity, reaching a broader global audience.
Visual Adjustments
We’ve enhanced content contrast for better readability, which is crucial for users with visual impairments or color blindness. This improvement extends to symbols like check marks, ensuring all elements on our response pages are easily discernible. Clear visual indicators of the active element also aid users with motor impairments who rely on keyboard navigation, improving their overall navigation experience.
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