Social networks 'could be more accessible'

More could be done to improve the accessibility of social media website design, according to a new report.

The publication from the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C's) Workshop on the Future of Social Networking, which explored several aspects of the social media sector, suggested that a number of sites make heavy use of CAPTCHA-based authentication, which can be difficult for some to use.

User-generated content also tends to lack annotations, while JavaScript is generally used without regard for web accessibility, the report indicated.

Social networks offering mobile access would do well to consider the needs of users with disabilities in this context too, the Workshop on the Future of Social Networking said.

Dominique Hazael-Massieux of the W3C said "now is the time" to make it easier for social networks to be accessed by all and encourage industry growth.

"All social network users - and especially young people - expect the richest possible social experience, but with full mobility, accessibility and privacy."

Last year, a study by charity AbilityNet suggested that most social networks were hard for disabled people to use, with some unable to get past the initial step of registration.

This news story was brought to you by Bluhalo, a leading UK digital agency.