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accessiBe are seeking credibility by association

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From: Steve Green
Date: May 28, 2021 1:26PM

Earlier today on the W3C WAI email discussion group, there was a mixed reaction to the news that accessiBe plan to become members of the W3C. I say it was a mixed reaction, because it was split between "this is a terrible thing and we have to stop it" and "this is a terrible thing but we should tolerate it till they break the rules". I side with the latter view.

Now I find that they are claiming to be building the world's first search engine for accessible sites - https://accessfind.com/. This is actually untrue - one of my colleagues created one in 2004.

I was immediately suspicious, and then I found this - "accessiBe-powered websites are automatically added". Add this to their W3C membership, and they are definitely trying to gain credibility by associating themselves with the right people and causes. They recently received $28 Million Series A funding, so I fear this is just the start, and that they will be a formidable adversary.

Regards,
Steve Green
Managing Director
Test Partners Ltd
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