Re: Removing 4.1.1

> We think it probably won't be a problem for ISO, 508, EN, etc., but we don't know.

What we do know is how these type of regs typically update.

Section 508 is still on 2.0. If you are meeting 508, you have to meet what they have written down, which is from that dated version of 2.0.
They could go through an internal process to update based on WCAG changing, but it is up to them. (How long did people complain about section 508 being on version 1.0?)

The EN is apparently scheduled to be updated next year, so now would be a good time to update WCAG (2.2). Again, they have their own version based on WCAG 2.1, so it is up to them how they take on changes.

Apparently, ISO is waiting for 2.2 before doing an update to 40500.

> What happens if those can't be updated, or if it takes 5 years? Is anyone required to conform to them required to continue testing 4.1.1?

That is up to the regulations concerned, it isn’t something we control. Whether someone is required to comply with a law (and conform to a particular standard) will depend on the law.

For example, if you are a public sector body in the EU, I think you’ll need to comply with their current regs until they are updated (i.e. the version incorporated into the EN, which includes 4.1.1).

If you are a commercial organisation without specific regulations/laws, you have more flexibility and could use 2.2 and/or ignore 4.1.1 anyway (particularly if we remove it from those and/or add a note).

I think the key word from Shadi’s email (that I just saw), is “cascade”.  We don’t control every resource, but unless we make the change, the cascade doesn’t happen. It is the same for adding SCs.

If we do make the change, we have a little influence over how hard the change is pushed. E.g. removing it from older versions and re-publishing those would make it more apparent than only doing so in 2.2. Plus however much time WAI (and AG members) wish to put into publicising the change.

We are in the (privileged) position of starting off a change like that, but these type of things always take time to spread out. From a quick google, there are plenty of articles for building-regulation updates, we aren’t the only ones!

Kind regards,

-Alastair

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@alastc / www.nomensa.com<http://www.nomensa.com>