Problem/Motivation

Accessibility audit tools such as axe DevTools, Lighthouse, and Siteimprove have flagged multiple external links within the Varbase Demo content that open in a new browser tab or window (target="_blank") without providing a visible or accessible warning to users.

This behavior can cause confusion for users - particularly those using assistive technologies - because the change in browser context is not communicated.
Screen readers do not announce when a new tab or window opens, which disrupts navigation and accessibility flow.

Readers can always choose to open a link a new window. When a link forces open a new window, it can be confusing and annoying, especially for assistive device users who may wonder why their browser's back button is suddenly disabled.

Proposed resolution

  • Remove target="_blank" from all external links in Varbase Demo content.
  • Ensure that all demo links open in the same window/tab by default.
  • This approach keeps the demo simpler and fully compliant with WCAG 2.2.

Remaining tasks

  • ✅ File an issue about this project
  • ✅ Addition/Change/Update/Fix to this project
  • ✅ Testing to ensure no regression
  • ➖ Automated unit/functional testing coverage
  • ➖ Developer Documentation support on feature change/addition
  • ➖ User Guide Documentation support on feature change/addition
  • ➖ UX/UI designer responsibilities
  • ➖ Accessibility and Readability
  • ✅ Code review from 1 Varbase core team member
  • ✅ Full testing and approval
  • ✅ Credit contributors
  • ✅ Review with the product owner
  • ✅ Update Release Notes and Update Helper on new feature change/addition
  • ✅ Release varbase-10.1.0-beta1, varbase_blog-10.1.0-beta1, varbase-10.0.8, varbase_blog-10.0.10

Varbase update type

  • ✅ No Update
  • ➖ Optional Update
  • ➖ Forced Update
  • ➖ Forced Update if Unchanged

User interface changes

  • N/A

API changes

  • N/A

Data model changes

  • N/A

Release notes snippet

  • [#3553390] fix(a11y): Changed External Links in Varbase Blog site section default Content to Comply with WCAG 2.2 Accessibility Standards

Comments

rajab natshah created an issue. See original summary.

  • rajab natshah committed 9c1fc58c on 10.1.x
    [#3553390] fix(a11y): Change External Links in Varbase Blog site section...

  • rajab natshah committed c39ea361 on 10.0.x
    [#3553390] fix(a11y): Change External Links in Varbase Blog site section...
rajab natshah’s picture

Assigned: rajab natshah » s.halawani
Issue summary: View changes
Status: Active » Needs review
Issue tags: +varbase-10.1.0-beta1, +varbase_blog-10.1.0-beta1, +varbase-10.0.8, +varbase_blog-10.0.10
rajab natshah’s picture

Assigned: s.halawani » Unassigned
Status: Needs review » Fixed

Now that this issue is closed, review the contribution record.

As a contributor, attribute any organization that helped you, or if you volunteered your own time.

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rajab natshah’s picture

Issue summary: View changes
rajab natshah’s picture

Issue summary: View changes
rajab natshah’s picture

Issue summary: View changes
rajab natshah’s picture

Title: Change External Links in Varbase Blog site section default Content to Comply with WCAG 3.0 Accessibility Standards » Change External Links in Varbase Blog site section default Content to Comply with WCAG 2.2 Accessibility Standards
Issue summary: View changes
Issue tags: +a11y
rajab natshah’s picture

Issue summary: View changes

Status: Fixed » Closed (fixed)

Automatically closed - issue fixed for 2 weeks with no activity.

rajab natshah’s picture

Issue summary: View changes

✅ Released varbase-10.0.8