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RAWeb 1.1RAPDF 1.1

Cryptic content

This term is defined by more than one standard, and the wording differs. Each definition below is the one that applies to that standard’s criteria.

Definition in RAWeb 1.1

Content written using misused characters. For example, emoticons, figures written with characters, symbol characters or text written with mathematical characters are considered cryptic content. Cryptic syntax refers to words or phrases that use characters or case effects inappropriately (leetspeak) or that divert characters from their usual uses, such as the use of capital letters, numbers or special characters in the body of a word.

Some examples:

  • emoticons: :) (smile), ^^ (smile with squinted eyes), O_o (surprised);
  • cryptic syntax: m4gic (magic);
  • mathematical characters resembling letters: 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒐 (hello);
  • emojis: (heart emoji).

Note 1: Some emojis are rendered by screen readers that have their own alternatives. An emoji will be considered compliant, without additional implementation, when the alternative rendered across the entire baseline is relevant to the context.

Note 2: Hashtags (‘#Employment’) and URLs (https://www.site.sample.com) are not considered cryptic content.

Criteria in RAWeb 1.1

Definition in RAPDF 1.1

This refers to content written using hijacked characters. For example, emoticons or figures written with characters are considered to be cryptic content. Cryptic syntax refers to words or phrases that use characters or case effects inappropriately (leetspeak) or that divert characters from their usual uses, such as the use of capitals, numbers or special characters in the body of a word. Finally, the use of unconventional abbreviations (e.g. acty for 'accessibility') is also considered to be cryptic content.

Here are a few examples:

  • emoticon: :), ^^, O_o;
  • cryptic syntax: m4gic (magic), imo (in my opinion).

Note: hashtags ("#Job") or URLs (https://www.site.sample.com) are not considered to be cryptic content.