Making digital identity accessible. ReadID is now WCAG 2.2 AA certified

This certification reflects our deeper commitment to digital inclusion. It means our identity verification technology is more accessible and easier to use for people with disabilities. We believe that proving who you are online should be simple and secure for everyone, and this certification is a significant step in making that a reality.

Why WCAG 2.2 changes the game for authentication 

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the internationally recognised benchmark for digital inclusion. They provide a framework to ensure that apps and websites can be used by people with a wide range of disabilities, including visual, motor, and cognitive impairments. 

In the latest update, WCAG 2.2, introduces a critical shift for identity and security: the new 'Accessible Authentication' criterion. 

Under this new rule, an authentication process can no longer rely on a "cognitive function test". That means forcing users to remember a complex password, solve a puzzle, or manually transcribe a one-time passcode from a text message is now explicitly incompatible with top-tier accessibility standards.

This is a transformative change. For years, traditional security measures have inadvertently excluded up to a fifth of the population who live with a cognitive or physical impairment.

Achieving Level AA conformance means our technology offers a secure, inclusive alternative that doesn't rely on memory tests. For public sector organisations navigating the EU Web Accessibility Directive or UK government standards, meeting these criteria is a strict legal mandate. But for private businesses, it’s just as vital—it’s about ensuring your services remain open to everyone.

The real cost of digital exclusion 

When digital tools are not built with accessibility in mind, they can lock people out of essential services. Imagine being unable to access your bank account, book a doctor's appointment, or apply for a job simply because the identity verification process wasn't designed for you.

This is a daily reality for millions. Inaccessible systems often force people to share sensitive information with others just to get by, a practice sometimes called "digital coercion." This not only compromises their privacy but also their independence. 

The problem is widespread and costly, not just for individuals but for businesses too. In the UK alone, retailers lose an estimated £17.1 billion in online sales each year because their websites are not accessible to disabled shoppers.

As the European Accessibility Act (EAA) becomes enforceable in June 2025, building accessible services has shifted from being a good practice to a legal requirement.

How we designed ReadID for accessibility

Our goal has always been to make identity verification both highly secure and simple. Using NFC (Near Field Communication), ReadID reads the secure electronic chip inside modern identity documents, like an ePassport or ID card. The process is straightforward: you scan the document's code using your smartphone camera, and then tap the document against the back of your phone. That's it.

This simple physical action completely replaces the need for cognitive tests. You don't have to remember a password or transcribe a code. While this is a game-changer for users with cognitive disabilities, it creates a significantly easier and faster onboarding experience for everyone.

Our WCAG 2.2 AA certification, which was confirmed by the independent auditor Accessible Minds, reflects the many inclusive design choices we’ve built into the product. Some examples include:

• For users who use screen readers, our app supports VoiceOver and TalkBack, helping them access content, instructions, and controls through spoken feedback.
• For users with low vision or who prefer larger text, the app supports Dynamic Type (iOS) and larger font sizes (Android). The layout adjusts to keep content readable and usable, with scrollable views and landscape support.
• For users with motor impairments, the app supports navigation with an external keyboard, providing an alternative to touch-based interaction.
• For users who are sensitive to motion, the app supports the Reduce Motion setting, which stops animations from moving.
• To make instructions easier to follow, the app provides clear on-screen guidance. In landscape orientation, a two-column layout allows users to view instructions and animations side by side.

Our ongoing commitment

We see accessibility as a continuous process of improvement. It is embedded in our design, development, and quality assurance work. We regularly test our products, conduct internal and external audits, and listen to user feedback to ensure we maintain this standard. For ReadID, this includes testing across a wide range of iOS and Android devices, including both older and newer models, to help ensure a consistent accessibility experience.

By doing this, we are not just complying with regulations. We are helping our customers build services that are open to more people, improving the user experience for everyone, and contributing to a digital world that leaves no one behind.

For anyone involved in designing, building, managing, or assessing our products, we have created a central hub for all our accessibility documentation. You can find our accessibility statements and conformance details on our developer portal.