WCAG
Global standard for web accessibility via POUR principles
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for disabled users via testable criteria, while ISO 27701 establishes privacy management systems for PII. Companies adopt WCAG for legal defense and inclusion; ISO 27701 for certification, regulatory alignment, and supply-chain trust.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
Key Features
- Four POUR principles organizing accessibility requirements
- Testable success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels
- Technology-agnostic for all web content types
- Backward-compatible additive version updates
- Strict conformance rules for full pages/processes
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management System
Key Features
- Establishes auditable Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- Role-specific controls for PII controllers and processors
- Integrates seamlessly with ISO 27001 ISMS
- Provides mappings to GDPR and privacy regulations
- Enables risk-based DPIAs and DSR management
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 framework for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Its primary purpose is to provide testable success criteria under four POUR principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust, covering visual, auditory, motor, cognitive needs.
Key Components
- 13 guidelines under POUR, with ~90 success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels.
- Normative success criteria separate from informative techniques.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal references (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA).
- Reduces litigation risk, improves UX/conversion, expands market reach.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables procurement.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: policy, assessment, remediation, training, CI/CD integration, audits.
- Applies to all web-publishing orgs globally; AA common target.
- No formal certification; self-assess via VPAT/ACR, independent audits.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It provides a risk-based framework, aligned with ISO/IEC 27001:2022, to govern personally identifiable information (PII) lifecycle for controllers and processors, emphasizing accountability under laws like GDPR.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 mirroring ISO 27001 for context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- **Annex AControls for PII controllers (e.g., consent, data subject rights).
- **Annex BControls for PII processors (e.g., contracts, sub-processors).
- Mappings to GDPR (Annex D) and PDCA cycle. Certification via accredited bodies in a 3-year cycle.
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates compliance with global privacy laws, reducing fines and risks.
- Enhances procurement differentiation and stakeholder trust.
- Harmonizes multi-jurisdictional efforts, cuts costs via PII minimization.
- Builds competitive advantage through auditable governance.
Implementation Overview
Phased PDCA approach: scope/gap analysis, design controls/policies, implement/operate (training, DPIAs), validate/improve via audits. Applies to all sizes/sectors handling PII; certification optional but recommended.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Privacy management system for PII processing |
| Industry | All web-publishing organizations globally | PII-processing organizations worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C guidelines, conformance claims | Certifiable ISO management system standard |
| Testing | Automated/manual audits, user testing | Internal/external audits, surveillance cycles |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no direct penalties | Certification loss, regulatory fines indirect |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and ISO 27701
WCAG FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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