What criteria is used to determine conformance to WCAG 2.1?

Conformance to WCAG 2.1 is determined primarily by adherence to the success criteria laid out within the guidelines. These success criteria are specific, testable, and measurable statements that establish how to make web content accessible to people with various disabilities. They are categorized into different levels—A, AA, and AAA—indicating varying degrees of accessibility requirements.

The emphasis on success criteria is essential because they provide a clear framework for evaluating accessibility. By meeting these criteria, web content can be effectively assessed against the predefined standards that WCAG 2.1 sets, which ensures that the content is usable for individuals with diverse accessibility needs. Given that these criteria are rooted in established standards, they create a consistent and objective way of measuring conformance, as opposed to subjective interpretations of what may constitute "best practices," "accessibility laws," or "user needs." These other considerations might influence accessibility efforts but do not serve as a formal measure of conformance to WCAG 2.1.