WCAG
Global standard for web content accessibility
FedRAMP
U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorization.
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for people with disabilities worldwide via testable guidelines, while FedRAMP mandates rigorous security for U.S. federal cloud services. Organizations adopt WCAG for legal defense and inclusion; FedRAMP for government contracts and market access.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
Key Features
- POUR principles organize accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic across web platforms
- Backward-compatible additive version updates
- Full pages and complete processes conformance
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Reusable authorizations across federal agencies
- NIST SP 800-53 baselines at three impact levels
- Independent 3PAO security assessments required
- Continuous monitoring with automated reporting
- Program and Agency authorization paths
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is the W3C's technology-agnostic standard for accessible web content. It provides testable requirements to make digital experiences usable for people with disabilities, covering visual, auditory, motor, cognitive needs via a layered model of principles, guidelines, and success criteria.
Key Components
- **Four POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines with ~90 success criteria at Levels A, AA, AAA.
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, and Quick Reference.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
Meets legal benchmarks (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA); reduces litigation risk; expands market reach; improves UX/SEO; enables procurement wins. Builds trust, cuts support costs, drives inclusive innovation.
Implementation Overview
Phased program: policy, assessment, design systems, CI/CD tools (axe-core), training, audits, user testing. Applies to all org sizes/industries globally; no formal certification but VPAT/ACR for claims. Ongoing via monitoring and vendor SLAs.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is to enable secure, reusable cloud adoption via NIST SP 800-53-derived controls tailored to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High).
Key Components
- Baselines with ~156 (Low), ~323 (Moderate), ~410 (High) controls across 20 families.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M; 3PAO independent assessments.
- Built on NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5; continuous monitoring via automation and reporting.
- Authorization paths: Agency ATOs, Program Authorizations.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal cloud procurement; unlocks contracts worth millions.
- Reduces duplication, enhances security posture and reuse.
- Builds trust, competitive edge in government markets.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, documentation, 3PAO assessment, remediation; 10-19 months typical.
- Applies to CSPs targeting U.S. federal agencies; high costs ($150k-$2M+).
- Ongoing audits and monitoring required. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Cloud security assessment and monitoring |
| Industry | All web-publishing organizations globally | U.S. federal cloud service providers |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C guidelines, technology-agnostic | Mandatory U.S. government authorization program |
| Testing | Automated/manual audits, user testing | 3PAO independent assessments, continuous monitoring |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no direct penalties | Market exclusion, authorization revocation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and FedRAMP
WCAG FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
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