WCAG
Global W3C standard for accessible web content
GLBA
U.S. regulation for financial privacy notices and data safeguards.
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for all users globally via testable guidelines, while GLBA mandates U.S. financial firms protect customer data through privacy notices and security programs. Organizations adopt WCAG for inclusivity and legal defense; GLBA for regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Key Features
- Four POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust
- Testable success criteria at A, AA, AAA conformance levels
- Technology-agnostic guidelines for all web content
- Backward-compatible additive version updates
- Strict conformance for full pages and processes
GLBA
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act
Key Features
- Privacy notices and opt-out rights for NPI sharing
- Written information security program with safeguards
- Qualified Individual designation and board reporting
- 30-day FTC breach notification for 500+ consumers
- Service provider selection, contracting, and monitoring
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) 2.1 is the W3C's technology-agnostic standard for web accessibility. It provides testable success criteria to make content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. Structured as a layered model—principles, guidelines, success criteria—it enables flexible implementation while ensuring stable conformance targets like Level AA.
Key Components
- **POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines with ~80 success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, and failures.
- 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; enhances reputation. Strategic for procurement, governance, risk management.
Implementation Overview
Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, tooling (axe, WAVE), hybrid testing, monitoring. Applies to all web-publishing orgs globally; no certification but VPAT/ACR for claims. Targets enterprises via design systems, CI/CD integration.
GLBA Details
What It Is
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), enacted in 1999, is a U.S. federal regulation establishing privacy and security standards for financial institutions handling nonpublic personal information (NPI). It uses a risk-based approach via the Privacy Rule and Safeguards Rule to ensure transparency and protection.
Key Components
- **Privacy Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 313)Mandates initial/annual notices and opt-out rights for nonaffiliated third-party sharing.
- **Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314)Requires comprehensive information security programs with administrative, technical, physical safeguards; includes ~9 prescriptive elements.
- **Pretexting ProvisionsProhibits false pretenses access; enforced by FTC without formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legally mandatory for broad financial entities (banks, fintech, tax firms) to avoid $100,000+ penalties.
- Mitigates breach risks, enhances customer trust, supports vendor oversight.
- Builds competitive resilience via governance and reporting.
Implementation Overview
Phased: scoping/data mapping, risk assessment, controls/testing, ongoing monitoring. Targets all sizes/industries handling NPI; requires audits, board reporting, no certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | GLBA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Financial data privacy and security |
| Industry | All industries, global applicability | Financial institutions, primarily U.S. |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C technical standard | Mandatory U.S. federal regulation |
| Testing | Automated/manual audits, user testing | Risk assessments, pen tests, audits |
| Penalties | No direct penalties, litigation risk | Fines up to $100k per violation |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and GLBA
WCAG FAQ
GLBA FAQ
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