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Re: Question about links opening in new tabs/windows

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From: Birkir R. Gunnarsson
Date: Dec 2, 2013 4:46PM

Jared

Out of curiosity, what WCAG SC would you call it out if there is a
visual indication that a link opens in a new window but this is not
apparent in link text or programmatically?
Is this a 4.1.2 issue, or 1.1.1 (assuming there is an icon that
indicates this but the icon does not have alt text)?
In discussion I had on this issue with a few colleagues some time ago
we came to the same conclusion.
You could technically claim that 2.4.9 might require a notification on
all links that open in a new window but
a. That is subject to interpretation and
b. It is a AAA requirement anyway.
http://www.w3.org/TR/UNDERSTANDING-WCAG20/navigation-mechanisms-link.html

But 4.1.2 is a broad level A criteria that often applies to custom
controls and I think might be interpreted to apply if visually a
control opens links in a new page, even when said control is simply a
link or a button.
One mistake I see a lot these days is using aria-haspopup to indicate
that links open in a new tab or webpage, and that is incorrect and
misleading use of the ARIA attribute.
All that being said, it can sometimes be convenient to have links open
in a new window, for instance TWitter links on your timeline.

Cheers
-Birkir
Accessibility SME | Deque Systems



On 12/2/13, Jared Smith < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
> It is generally considered bad form to force links to open in new
> windows, unless it is apparent and useful to the user. This is more of
> a usability issue that affects everyone than an accessibility-specific
> issue.
>
> Most screen reader's will inform users when a link opens in a new
> window, but not until after it has been activated. This is akin to
> sighted users not knowing the link behaves this way until the new
> window/tab appears.
>
> There is no requirement (that I'm aware of) in WCAG or other
> guidelines that such links indicate to the user that they open in a
> new window. However, if there is a visual indication (such as an icon
> or text), then this information must be made accessible to users that
> cannot see the visual indication. The link Karl provided shows some
> methods for doing this.
>
> In short, you should avoid such links if possible. If you do implement
> them, you must either inform nobody or everybody that the link opens
> in a new window.
>
> Jared
> > > >


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