W3C Compliance

The World Wide Web Consortium or W3C was founded in October 1994 by Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the Web. The W3C has a number of roles and objectives but to most users of the web the consequence is greater standardisation across the web so that whatever technology you are using web pages are displayed in a useful manner.

One of the resources the W3C provide to web developers is their web page validator program that checks if a web page is compliant. Web pages that are compliant often display the logo as seen in the top right hand corner of this page, next to the 'A's that enable you to change the text size. If you click on it you can check to see if this page validates.

Primarily this validator increases the chances of a web page being displayed correctly on different browsers, for example: Internet Explorer, Mozilla's Firefox or Netscape. However, there is no legislation in the UK regarding discrimination against Mozilla users and perhaps a more serious consideration should be accessibility legislation.

The W3C also offers much advice on accessibility though following W3C guidelines should not be regarded as giving you immunity from prosecution. That said, their advice should be taken seriously along with other organisations such as the RNIB. Aside from the legal angle a more accessible website will attract more visitors, who stay longer and read more.

DDA 1995 (2003)

The Disability Discriminiation Act 1995 was amended in 2003. Amongst the amendments was the repeal of exemption for small businesses. The DDA applies to all 'providers of service'. This does not just mean schools, hospitals and governmental organisations, it includes the provision of any goods or facilities. In short the DDA applies to almost everyone with a website, whether a 'for profit' organization or not, with very few exceptions.

The DDA does not say you have to use a 12 point font or use a certain colour contrasts for websites. Legislation is not written in this way and such practice will be established by legal precedent. Best advice is to commission a web design company who is aware of the issues and can make best efforts to ensure your website is accessible to all.

See the statutory instrument for the DDA 2003 Amendment.

The information provided on this website should not be regarded as a substitute for professional legal advice.