- Success Criterion 3.3.8
- Conformance level AA
Puzzle CAPTCHA Gating Login With No Alternative Method
3.3.8 — Accessible Authentication (Minimum)
Scenario
Setting
An e-book reader's library page
What’s wrong
Puzzle CAPTCHAs (rotate image, slide to fit, math problems) gating login with no alternative.
Example
<!-- Login requires solving an image CAPTCHA, no alternative -->Why it matters
People with cognitive disabilities and anyone who depends on password managers or paste.
How to test
Attempt to log in: if a puzzle CAPTCHA (rotate image, slide to fit, solve math) blocks the flow with no alternative, it fails.
How to fix
Login must work with paste and password managers — any cognitive test must have a non-cognitive alternative method.
<!-- Login uses email + password, or a passkey, with no puzzle/transcription step -->Authentication can't rely solely on solving a puzzle or transcription task with no cognitive-function-test alternative.
Outcome
On an e-book reader's library page, this barrier is gone for people with cognitive disabilities and anyone who depends on password managers or paste — they can complete the task without hitting this wall.
Who is affected
People with cognitive disabilities and anyone who depends on password managers or paste.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
Related scenarios
- Password Field That Blocks Pasting or Splits the Code Up
- Password Field Scripted to Block Paste Entirely
- Password Manager Autofill Blocked by the Login Form
- Visual CAPTCHA Required With No Non-Visual Alternative
- One-Time Code Split Into Boxes That Reject a Pasted Code
- Displayed Code Required to Be Retyped With Copying Disabled