What this criterion requires
The purpose of each link is identifiable from the link text alone, with no reliance on surrounding context.
Who it helps
Screen reader users navigating out-of-context link lists.
Example: fails vs passes
"Read more" appearing 12 times on the blog index, at AAA.
Each link self-describing: "Read: WCAG 2.2 - what changed".
AAA requires link purpose from the link text alone, no context allowed.
How to meet and fix it
- Make every link self-describing on its own
Common failures auditors find
- "Here", "this page", "more" as link text anywhere on an AAA claim
Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.
Sources
- W3C, Understanding 2.4.9: Link Purpose (Link Only) - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 2.4.9 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
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