Screen reader detection

[LJWatson]

At least one tool of this kind detects if a screen reader is running, and automatically invokes certain options within its overlay without asking.

If it is known that someone is using a screen reader, it is known that they have a disability. That is personal data, and there are laws that prohibit the collection and use of personal data without informed consent.

I've reached out to friends who specialise in privacy for their thoughts.

This may be a topic we should include.

[karlgroves]

Agree

[karlgroves]

Perhaps a section on Privacy concerns?

[LJWatson]

@ab11y commented:

I'm not sure how they can do this. I think it is possible to do for mobile apps but not for websites.

It can be done with basic HTML and CSS, and/or by listening for JavaScript events. It is not an exact science, but it's good enough.

So even if they are attempting this, they might just be falling on their arse trying, or fooling themselves that they have useful data.

It is consistently accurate under testing, on Windows machines at least - and given that they account for about 91% of the market according to the latest WebAIM survey, that's more than enough data to be going on with.