11.3.3.8 Accessibility authentication (minimum) – scope applicability (from Shadi)

The applicability of 11.3.3.8 Accessibility authentication (minimum) should be scoped according to the following note from WCAG2ICT:

Note 4 (Added): There are cases where non-web software has an authentication process and no alternative or assistance mechanism is feasible, for example when entering a password when starting, powering on / turning on an ICT (device or otherwise). In such situations, it may not be possible for the non-web software to meet this success criterion.

For example, the requirement could be phrased as follows (words in brackets added to the current requirement):

Where ICT is or includes non-web software that provides a user interface, [and the platform software provides assistance mechanisms,] the software shall satisfy WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum).

Good observation!

Just a few comments:

1. The WCAG SC and corresponding EN clause are named "Accessible Authentication (Minimum)" - not "Accessibility Authentication (Minimum)"
2. I think the draft addition needs to be modified a bit, because it does not contain the entire WCAG2ICT phrase "no alternative or assistance mechanism is feasible". By leaving out "alternative or" and "is feasible", the proposed precondition seems to out-scope many situations where the clause actually should and could be applied.
3. I think there should be a note explaining the background of this extra precondition, possibly including a link to WCAG2ICT.
4. As the SC does not contain and define the term "assistance mechanism" but only "mechanism", maybe the precondition should also use this same shorter term. (If indeed the meaning is the same.)

added WCAG2ICT label