2.5.7 Dragging Movements - "underlying platform software" vs "user agent or platform software"

[JJdeGroot]

In 2.5.7, the intro states:

This applies directly as written, and as described in Intent from Understanding Success Criterion 2.5.7, replacing "user agent" with "user agent or platform software" and by making changes to the notes for non-web documents by replacing “web content” with "content", and for non-web software applications by replacing "web content that interprets" with "software applications that interpret" and "user agent" with "underlying platform software".

Followed by:

With these substitutions, it would read:

2.5.7 Dragging Movements: All functionality that uses a dragging movement for operation can be achieved by a single pointer without dragging, unless dragging is essential or the functionality is determined by the [user agent or platform software] and not modified by the author.

Thus,

"user agent" is replaced by "user agent or platform software" and not "underlying platform software"

Which term is intended?

[pday1]

Remove "underlying" in statement of word substitution - as we moved to use "platform software" instead of "underlying platform software"

[ChrisLoiselle]

@pday1 did you want to update this or do you want me to? I don't mind. Just tracking your comment from last week.

[pday1]

@pday1 did you want to update this or do you want me to? I don't mind. Just tracking your comment from last week.

@ChrisLoiselle Go ahead Chris - just added the comment while we were chatting last week. If you have time then go for it!

[ChrisLoiselle]

@pday1 there are 12 returns for underlying on comments-by-guideline-and-success-criterion.md , is the ask to replace that globally or just within 2.5.7 Dragging Movements? I will update once detail is known. @JJdeGroot can you clarify as well? I'd like to make the change once vs. multiple updates to align with what you both wish.

[JJdeGroot]

Hi @ChrisLoiselle I feel that it's not really up to me to decide what's the best path forward for replacement. Up to WCAG2ICT group to decide how to apply the replacement.

I would personally do a global replacement for consistency.

[maryjom]

From: Gregg Vanderheiden RTF gregg@raisingthefloor.org

Date: Monday, May 5, 2025 at 10:46 AM

Subject: [EXTERNAL] underlying platform software
       

platform software appears 52 times in WCAG2ICT

in 45 of them (and the definition) you have changed “underlying platform software”  to "Platform software"

but there are still 7 that were missed.

I found if I  search for underlying platform software  I  don’t find them all. 

if you search for underlying though — you will find them all (along with some other uses of underlying which are fine)

[maryjom]

We decided on 10 July to keep "underlying" but make sure where the <INS> markdown is used, to unbold text that isn't a link so the links are more distinguishable from the rest of the text. Instances we need to ensure is consistent with whatever solution we decide:

• Applying SC 1.4.10 Reflow Notes 5 and 8 each have 2 instances of "underlying user agent or platform".
• Applying SC 2.5.1 Pointer Gestures 2 instances - word replacement of "user agent" with "underlying platform software" and in Note 3 it says "underlying platform software"
• Applying SC 2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation 2 instances - word replacement of "user agent" with "underlying platform software" and Note 5 says "underlying platform software"
• Applying 2.5.7 Dragging Movements 2 instances - word replacement of "user agent" with "underlying platform software" and Note 3 says "underlying platform software"
• Applying 3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) Note 3 says "underlying platform software"

There's also instances where we have "user agent or platform software" vs. "user agent or other platform software". At the 10 July meeting we agreed these phrases should include "other" as in "other platform software".

• Key term "accessibility services of platform software" - says "operating system, user agent, or other platform software"
• 1.4.11 Non-text contrast - has "user agent or platform software" in 2 places and Note 1 has "user agent or platform.
• 1.4.13 Content on Hover or Focus - "user agent or platform software" in 3 places
• 2.5.7 Dragging Movements - "user agent or platform software" in 2 places
• 2.5.8 Target size (minimum) - "user agent or platform software" in 3 places
• 4.1.3 Status messages - "user agent or platform software" in 1 place
• "large scale (text)" definition
• "style property" definition uses "user agent(s) or other platform software" in 3 places and "user agent, platform software, or other software interface settings" in 2 places
• "technology" definition uses "user agents or other software" in 2 places

[GreggVan]

Based on the decision at the past meeting the EN 301 549 has now gone to just Platform software and removed underlying from all our provisions. And the final comment version of EN 301 549 has been released for comment.

So I would suggest we either

• delete underlying from everywhere in WCAG2ICT

OR

• put in a comment during the comment period asking that the word "underlying" be added back -- and provide a good rationale for it

[maryjom]

Agree that whatever we do...make sure we comment, if needed, to ensure the EN is consistent.