[bcab] Captchas

Hi all,
 
Since this topic was raised there have been well over 70 messages posted to the 
list on the subject in only three days.  I also get the feeling from the names 
I'm seeing, that the subject has drawn several people to post for the first 
time, who may have been "lurking" before.  All this goes to show what a hot 
topic the Captcha issue is for us.  The volume of traffic on the subject could 
in itself be used as evidence in any campaign to give sensible alternatives to 
the Captcha.

I've just come across a variation on the theme.  I tried to create an account 
on Google.  The good news was that they offered an option to listen to the code 
as well as one to type on the graphic contents.  The bad news was that when I 
clicked on the "listen to the numbers and type them in" link, nothing played.  
I visited the help page and sent an email to show that I was having trouble 
crating an account, and will be interested to see what follows.  However, The 
help pages gave me a check list, and yes, my soundcard was working; yes, my PC 
supports .wav files; yes, my volume was turned up, but, in the words of Little 
Britain, computer says no.  Now there's a phrase to be quoted in a campaign!

I would therefore hope, that anyone who arranges for an audio alternative to be 
in place would ensure that it is working at all times.  This is the equivalent 
in D D A terms of the Good practice Guideline from the DRC that cites the 
example, that if you have an induction loop in place but it is not working on 
the day that a hard-of-hearing customer needs to use it,  the service provider 
will most likely be found to be liable under the terms of the act.  The code of 
practice, mentioned in Léonie's overview of the captcha issue, is not in itself 
the law, but states in its own introduction that it will be used in evidence, 
so has the power to influence any case.

I would of course, not countenance wielding the stick of the D D A against 
offending companies, unless all other attempts to get a satisfactory result 
have met with resistance or insufficient action to remove the barrier to 
access.  

Best,
Clive

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