United States21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, internet browsers built into mobile phones
47 U.S.C. 619; 47 CFR 14.60 and 14.61
In force since .
An accessibility requirements rule binding private bodies.
As of .
What it requires
- If you manufacture a telephone used with public mobile services that includes an Internet browser, or you are a mobile service provider that arranges for a browser to be included in telephones you sell to customers, make the browser's functions, including the ability to launch it, accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or have a visual impairment, unless that is not achievable (47 U.S.C. 619(a); 47 CFR 14.61(a)).
- The duty reaches only the browser you include or arrange to include; it does not require you to make other browsers, or Internet content, applications or services, accessible, other than enabling individuals with disabilities to use the included browser to reach them (47 CFR 14.61(a)(1) and (2)).
- Consider the performance objectives that 47 CFR 14.60(b) makes applicable at the design stage, and make the information and documentation you give customers accessible, if achievable (47 CFR 14.60(b)(3) and (4)).
These lines are LexLint's reading of the law's text, as of .
Who enforces it
Enforcement body
Federal Communications Commission, which receives formal and informal complaints of a violation of section 255, 617 or 619 of title 47 and may direct the manufacturer or service provider to bring the service, or the next generation of the equipment, into compliance
What this law does
If a manufacturer of a telephone used with public mobile services includes an Internet browser in the telephone, or a provider of mobile service arranges for the inclusion of a browser in telephones to sell to customers, the manufacturer or provider must ensure that the browser's functions, including the ability to launch it, are accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or have a visual impairment, unless doing so is not achievable.
The duty does not require a manufacturer or provider to make accessible any browser other than the one it includes or arranges to include in the telephone. It also does not require a manufacturer or provider to make Internet content, applications, or services accessible or usable, other than enabling individuals with disabilities to use an included browser to access them.
A manufacturer or provider may satisfy the requirement by ensuring the telephone or services are accessible without third-party products, or by using third-party applications or equipment available to the consumer at nominal cost that individuals with disabilities can access.
When LexLint raises it
When your app profile says your app provides telecom services or distributes a software product.