What does the 7D CAPTCHA guideline require regarding accessibility formats?

• A. Audio and hearing formats must be available for CAPTCHAs.
• B. CAPTCHAs must be color-coded.
• C. CAPTCHAs must be accessible only by keyboard.
• D. CAPTCHAs must be completely hidden from AT.

Answer: (A)

Providing alternative accessibility formats is about making CAPTCHAs usable for people with different needs. The guideline requires offering an audio version of the CAPTCHA (and other accessible formats) so someone who cannot perceive the visual challenge can still complete it. This ensures that users with visual impairments or those using assistive technology aren’t blocked by a purely image-based test. Relying on color alone isn’t reliable for color-blind users, and making CAPTCHAs accessible only by keyboard or hiding them from assistive technology would still exclude some users. Therefore, offering audio and other accessible formats best meets the requirement.