Google Provides Audio CAPTCHA
Via Matt Bailey's Web Site Accessibility Blog, news that Google is providing an audio alternative to its visual CAPTCHA. These tests - that aim to filter out automated bots (and hence spammers) from real human beings - also have the unfortunate side effect of filtering out blind users. Can't see the text on screen? Can't come in then! Inthe audio version "the numbers use a combination of speakers in what sounds like a busy cafe", according to Bailey. I've not tried this out for myself yet (as I write this, I am at a machine that does not have the Quicktime plug-in required) but if you feel like trying out for yourself, head on over to Google Groups and try setting up an account.
1 Comments:
Yep, that's what it sounds like. I'm guessing a lot of people will have trouble hearing what the numbers are, but at least it gives non-sighted people a chance to get in. It would be nice if they could provide the audio CAPTCHA in other languages - as far as I can tell it is currently only available in English.
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