Inappropriate Redirect Meta Element Check
Description
The “Inappropriate Redirect Meta Element Check” evaluates whether there is any usage of a <meta http-equiv="refresh"> tag configured to immediately redirect the user to another page.
Example outcome
I observed that the webpage is redirected automatically through the <meta http-equiv=\"redirect\"> element.
Impact
- Visual Impairments: Screen readers may not even start reading the page before the redirection happens. Users lose access to contextual content or page announcements.
- Motor Impairments: Delays in physical input may prevent interaction before the redirect. Users may not be able to navigate away from the destination page once redirected.
- Cognitive Disabilities: Sudden, unexplained redirection causes disorientation and confusion. This may create the perception of a broken or unreliable interface.
Fixes
To address inappropriate auto-redirect <meta> elements:
- Locate the
<meta>element. - Replace it by a manual button instead of auto-redirecting.