International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) Updates Metadata Standards

October 27, 2021

The International Press Telecommunications Council (IPTC) has released a new version of its Photo Metadata standard that includes two new properties aimed at making photos more accessible to those with disabilities, such as blind persons.

The IPTC says that web accessibility is extremely important in the current digital age, and as the number of images added online increases daily, the gap widens for people who use assistive technologies to access information.

The IPTC says that the last year, in particular, was demonstrative of the need for this change, as many disabled people were at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 but struggled to access essential information online, which ranged from healthcare and education to groceries and supplies. The organization argues that inaccessible websites and applications have always been a barrier, but during COVID, they became a threat to the health and safety of a vulnerable population.

The new accessibility properties that the IPTC has announced will make it easier for platforms and software to comply with WCAG requirements and deliver images that are inclusive for everyone.

The IPTC Photo Metadata Standard specification will be updated to this new version that includes the new requirements starting on November 4, 2021.

Source: PetaPixel