Web designed for AI, not for people
| Source: Mastodon | Original article
Web developers are prioritizing AI-friendly accessibility features over human needs, sparking concerns that the internet is being optimized for machines rather than people.
A growing number of websites are adding “AI‑friendly” versions of their content – stripped‑down text pages that large language models can crawl more easily – while still neglecting the core accessibility features that real users with disabilities rely on. The trend, highlighted in a recent Tech Policy Press analysis, shows developers prioritising accommodations for well‑funded AI services over the heading structures, ARIA landmarks and other semantic cues that screen‑reader users need to navigate pages safely.
The shift matters because it underscores a broader dynamic in digital policy: accessibility improvements often materialise only when they serve a commercial or technological agenda. In this case, AI companies are receiving the same accommodations that disability advocates have fought for over decades, but the implementation is superficial. Text‑only feeds may help an LLM summarise a page, yet they do not replace the nuanced, hierarchical markup required for people who depend on assistive technology. Critics warn that such half‑measures risk cementing a version of the web that is technically “accessible” to machines while remaining hostile to human users.
Looking ahead, observers will watch whether regulators and standards bodies intervene to tighten the definition of web accessibility, ensuring that any AI‑driven accommodations also meet the needs of disabled users. Advocacy groups are likely to push for clearer guidelines that forbid “AI‑first” shortcuts and demand full compliance with established WCAG principles. The outcome could shape how the next wave of AI tools is integrated into web design, either reinforcing inclusive practices or entrenching a new form of digital exclusion.
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