What is WCAG 2.2?
WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2) is the latest update to the globally recognized WCAG 2.0 and 2.1 guidelines, developed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium). These guidelines aim to make web content accessible to individuals with cognitive, visual, and motor disabilities. They are based on four core principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). Key areas addressed by WCAG 2.2 AA include:
- Cognitive and Learning Disabilities: Updates for better authentication methods and easier-to-understand UI elements.
- Improved Contrast: Enhanced requirements for text contrast to ensure readability for low-vision users.
- Touch Target Size: Minimum size requirements for touch targets, ensuring users can interact with them.
- Keyboard Accessibility: Emphasis on making all web content operable with a keyboard.
- Flexible Layouts: Ensuring users can adjust the content layout without losing access to critical information.
Why is WCAG 2.2 important?
- Enhanced Accessibility: WCAG 2.2 addresses gaps in accessibility, especially for individuals with cognitive and learning disabilities. This ensures a more inclusive experience for all users and positions your web elements as a competitive advantage.
- Legal Compliance: Many countries and regions have adopted WCAG guidelines into law or regulations. Meeting the WCAG 2.2 AA standard can help you avoid legal risks associated with non-compliance to accessibility standards.
- Inclusive User Experience: By following WCAG 2.2, you can ensure your websites and digital services are usable by a wider range of people, leading to better engagement and usability, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Broader Reach: Accessible websites cater to a wider audience, including elderly users, those with temporary impairments, and users relying on assistive technologies.
How does TrustArc Privacy Studio address accessibility standards like WCAG 2.2?
TrustArc’s Privacy Studio supports standards prescribed under WCAG 2.2 AA. While our update enables accessibility for individuals with cognitive, motor, and visual impairments, we recommend you consult counsel and/or your compliance/accessibility team to understand applicability to you and your business and ensure available configurations support your specific needs and legal obligations. Currently, no other privacy software providers offer out-of-the-box templates that adhere to the new WCAG 2.2 AA compliance standard.
What public-facing elements in TrustArc Privacy Studio are accessible?
Accessible elements include:
- Cookie Consent Manager (CCM):
- Banners
- Modals
- Individual Rights Manager (IRM):
- DSAR Request forms
- DSAR Request landing pages
- Consent & Preference Manager (CPM):
- Consent & Preference forms
- Consent & Preference form landing pages
- Trust Center:
- Trust Center pages
What does the ‘A’, 'AA', and ‘AA’ levels mean?
WCAG standards are categorized into three levels: A, AA, and AAA.
- Level A: Basic web accessibility.
- Level AA: Addresses the most common accessibility barriers and is the industry standard for compliance.
- Level AAA: Provides the highest level of accessibility but is not feasible for all content types.
TrustArc templates comply with WCAG 2.2 AA, ensuring accessibility for a broad user base.
Why are we adopting WCAG 2.2 AA instead of AAA?
WCAG AA is the industry benchmark for accessibility and compliance. While AAA represents the highest level, it is not a legal requirement and is often impractical for many organizations.
What if WCAG standards are updated in the future?
Future updates won’t be applied automatically but will undergo a thorough review. By adopting WCAG 2.2 now, you ensure long-term compliance. For background, the gap between the release of WCAG 2.1 and WCAG 2.2 was about three years. In fact, changes to the standard must go through a number of stages. The first draft of the new WCAG 2.2 standard was first introduced in Nov 2023, and is now in its final draft form and is under review. A full approval is expected by the end of 2025. That said, at this point, the guidelines in the final draft are considered stable. By aligning our designs to the new 2.2 standard, we anticipate you will enjoy future-proof solutions for years to come.
What is ADA, and are we compliant?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a U.S. law that prohibits discrimination based on disability, including in digital spaces. Although the ADA does not explicitly reference WCAG, courts often cite WCAG AA as the standard for compliance. TrustArc templates meet WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines, ensuring ADA alignment.
Are the accessibility templates a paid feature?
No. The update is included in your Privacy Studio apps at no additional cost, with no changes to your contract.
Why should I update to the new WCAG 2.2 templates?
Updating ensures your full support for users with disabilities, alignment with WCAG 2.2 AA standards, and reduced legal risks.
Does this update mean my website was non-compliant before?
Not necessarily. WCAG 2.1 AA is the current standard for most jurisdictions. WCAG 2.2 adds new requirements for improved accessibility, particularly for cognitive and learning disabilities. TrustArc aligns with WCAG 2.2 to future-proof your web elements and keep you ahead of evolving standards.
Will my web elements be updated automatically?
No. You will remain in control for when you choose to adopt the new designs. Web pages in Privacy Studio apps, TrustArc CAPTCHA, and GPC banners are automatically updated.
What effort is required to update?
The upgrade process is streamlined for ease. Follow the steps outlined in the application or in official customer communication. For additional support, contact the TrustArc support team or consult the step-by-step guide here.
I have a highly customized design. Does this apply to me?
We strongly recommend that you choose from the provided TrustArc WCAG 2.2 AA default templates. For any changes from the provided default designs, such as colors and contrasts or any changes to the HTML structure of the banner, we strongly recommend you to review the WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines to ensure compliance.
Will page load times or consent submission times be affected?
No
Does this apply to mobile?
The public-facing web elements included in this update are designed to be compatible with all screen sizes, including desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers.
Can I revert to previous designs after updating?
No. Reverting to previous designs is not possible to ensure your published web experience is consistent. You will need to reselect your previous design options, preview, and deploy for ideal publication.
Does the platform tell me if I break compliance with my custom design?
No. Any changes to compliant designs should be cross-checked against WCAG guidelines. While configuring, you will receive a notification with the link to the WCAG guidelines for you to reference for compliance.
Does this apply to my TrustArc Mobile App Consent (MAC) instances? Is it planned?
No. This update applies to Privacy Studio Apps (CCM, IRM, CPM, and Trust Center). Updates for TrustArc’s Mobile App Consent Manager (MAC) are not planned at this time.