Accessibility
· 13 checks — Landmarks, headings, alt text, forms, and link quality rolled into one auditable list.DLink & Button QualityAction2 issue(s) across 152 links and 6 buttonsFIX
| Element | Text | Issue | Suggested Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| # | (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label |
| https://l.join1440.com/?utm_source=snope… | 1440 Newsletter | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| (empty) | empty | Add link text or aria-label | |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/reid-w… | Did Artemis II astronaut Reid … | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/apple-… | Did Apple Maps 'erase' Lebanes… | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/collections/mike-… | 7 claims about House Speaker M… | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/bill-g… | Bill Gates has nothing to do w… | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/cia-ca… | Did declassified CIA document … | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/patton… | Did Gen. Patton say, 'May God … | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/saggin… | Sagging Pants … | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/ducks-… | Does This Video Show Ducks Obe… | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/10cc/ | How 10cc Got Their Name … | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trapez… | Did a Trapeze Artist with Diar… | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/video-… | Video doesn't show downed US p… | img no alt | Add alt attribute to the image |
| https://www.newsguardtech.com/solutions/… | editorial standards | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.facebook.com/snopes | Like Us on Facebook | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.x.com/snopes | Follow Us on X | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://bsky.app/profile/snopes.com | Follow Us on BlueSky | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://www.threads.net/@snopesdotcom | Follow Us on Threads | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
| https://infosec.exchange/@snopes | Follow Us on Mastodon | new tab | Add '(opens in new tab)' to text |
Links without text are announced as raw URLs by screen readers.
#; a#user_icon
Links with no accessible text (empty <a></a>, image-only no alt, icon-only no aria-label) are unidentifiable to screen readers.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.4
Image-only links need alt text on the image (or aria-label on the link) so screen readers can announce them.
a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/reid-wiseman-convert-christianity/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/apple-maps-lebanon-towns/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/collections/mike-johnson-rumors/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/bill-gates-alzheimers-cure/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/cia-cancer-cure/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/patton-mercy-enemies-quote/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/sagging-pants/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/ducks-obey-traffic-light/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/10cc/"]; a[href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trapeze-artist-with-diarrhea/"] (+1 more)
Image-only links with no alt are unidentifiable to screen-reader users — link's destination is invisible.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.4
Add '(opens in new tab)' to link text or aria-label.
https://l.join1440.com/?utm_source=snopes&utm_medium=article-sponsor; https://www.newsguardtech.com/solutions/newsguard/; https://www.facebook.com/snopes; https://www.x.com/snopes; https://bsky.app/profile/snopes.com; https://www.threads.net/@snopesdotcom; https://infosec.exchange/@snopes
Links with target="_blank" without rel="noopener" leak the originating page's window context — security and UX issue.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Without rel="noopener", the new tab can navigate the original tab via window.opener (tab-nabbing attack). Modern browsers default to noopener for target=_blank but only since recent versions. Always set rel="noopener noreferrer" explicitly.
Source: MDN target / OWASP
DWeb ManifestActionValid manifestFIX
DDark Mode SupportActionTheme color onlyFIX
Detection limited to meta tags and inline styles.
DPrint StylesheetActionNo print stylesFIX
BLandmark Structure9 landmarksREVIEW
Multiple navigations need aria-label to distinguish them for screen readers.
Some <nav> elements lack aria-label — screen-reader users hear 'navigation' multiple times with no way to distinguish them.
Learn more ▾ ▴
When a page has multiple <nav> regions (primary, footer, breadcrumb), each needs aria-label or aria-labelledby. AT users navigate by landmark; identical 'navigation' announcements force them to enter each one to discover purpose.
Source: WAI-ARIA Authoring Practices
Add a skip link as the first focusable element so keyboard users can bypass repeated navigation.
Without a skip-nav link, keyboard users tab through every nav item before reaching content — every page, every visit.
Learn more ▾ ▴
WCAG 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks) requires a mechanism to skip past repeated content. The standard implementation is a 'Skip to main content' link that's the first focusable element, visually hidden until focused. Three lines of HTML + four of CSS.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 2.4.1
CHeading HierarchyAction68 headings, 2 skip(s)REVIEW
- H1 Snopes Homepage
- H3 Unpacking WSJ report claiming aides kept Trump out of Situation Room during rescue of two US airmen in Iran skipped
- H3 State Department reportedly sent $1.25B to Trump's Board of Peace. Officials stay mum
- H3 Does FBI classify LGBTQ+ people as terrorists? What we know
- H3 Facts behind claim CNN reported 62M men visited 'online rape academy'
- H3 Did Artemis II astronaut Reid Wiseman convert to Christianity after moon mission?
- H3 Kash Patel faces claims of excessive drinking, absences. Here's what we know
- H3 Did Trump cancel $11M grant to Catholic charity to 'punish' Pope Leo XIV? What we know
- H3 Inspecting photos allegedly showing 'dismal' meals on US military ships in Middle East
- H3 Did Ted Lieu expose Stephen Miller funneling $6.2B through Cayman Islands?
- H3 11 fake Melania Trump images we've debunked
- H3 Chart claiming to show immigrants' 'illegal entries' to US under Biden misrepresents real data
- H3 Rumor claims Trump's mom once called him an 'idiot' who'd be 'disaster' in politics. There's no proof
- H3 Did Apple Maps 'erase' Lebanese town names? We investigated
- H3 Did Trump cancel Pride Month? Here's the truth
- H3 7 claims about House Speaker Mike Johnson we've investigated
- H3 Fake image of girls kneeling before Trump spreads online
- H3 Watch out for fake Trump post calling Australian PM Anthony Albanese a slur
- H3 Did Pope Leo XIV say people should be 'less fearful of Islam'? Here's the full story
- H3 Did Trump call Obama 'liberal dog,' order investigation into Catholic Church? Don't be fooled
- H3 Did Bill Clinton criticize Trump's comments about Pope Leo XIV? Watch out for fake audio
- H3 Did Artemis II mission planning begin with Biden? We explored its roots
- H3 Don't fall for fake image claiming Disney is planning Charlie Kirk movie
- H3 Posts claim Bob Seger is fighting cancer. We set the record straight
- H3 How Michael J. Fox responded after CNN mistakenly implied he died
- H3 Did Robert Pattinson model Balenciaga's shipping box outfit? Unpacking the truth
- H3 Epstein files don't say Leonardo DiCaprio ate 'child meat.' We have the proof
- H3 10 rumors we've fact-checked about Tiger Woods
- H3 Kurt Russell didn't receive Kennedy Center Honor from Trump, despite claims
- H3 Tune out fake story about man playing 'Family Feud' to win money for daughter's chemo
- H3 Bill Gates has nothing to do with 'Brain Honey' or any other fake Alzheimer's cure
- H3 Is this a real photo of blue sunset on Mars?
- H3 Bill Gates isn't backing 'Brain Honey,' other alleged Alzheimer's remedies. They're scams
- H3 Do human ashes look like galaxies under a microscope?
- H3 Could pill add years to your dog's life? Scientists test experimental drug
- H3 Fly me to the truth: 15 moon claims, fact-checked
- H3 Were Roman helmets found on North Carolina golf course?
- H3 Artemis II moon images: Separating fact from science fiction
- H3 Did scientific study reveal some female frogs play dead to avoid mating?
- H3 Did scientists release this image allegedly showing 'Cosmic Vine' of galaxies? We unearthed the evidence
- H3 Did declassified CIA document reveal cure for cancer? Here's the real story
- H3 Why 2013 coronavirus warning on X likely wasn't the prophecy people claim it is
- H3 Did 17-year-old girl strike out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig?
- H3 Hopping into the history of Easter Bunny and its eggs
- H3 Did Gen. Patton say, 'May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't'?
- H3 Did Napoleon say, 'Never interrupt your enemy while he's making a mistake'?
- H3 Is old newspaper clip of man with 'good set of teeth' seeking wife real? Biting into claim
- H3 When was the paper clip invented? Attaching the facts to Trump's ever-changing story
- H2 Become a Member
- H3 Do 'Minor-Attracted Persons' Use a 'MAPs Pride Flag' To Represent Themselves?
- H3 Mussolini and On-Time Trains
- H3 Sagging Pants
- H3 Does This Video Show Ducks Obeying a Traffic Light?
- H3 No, This Photo Isn't Evidence the Moon Landing Was Staged
- H3 How 10cc Got Their Name
- H3 Was an Anti-Seat Belt Law Advocate Killed in an Automobile Accident?
- H3 Did a Trapeze Artist with Diarrhea Defecate on 23 People?
- H3 Did Pope Leo XIV say people should be 'less fearful of Islam'? Here's the full story
- H3 21 claims we've investigated about Hegseth's Department of Defense
- H3 Contextualizing claim Pope Leo XIV is replacing Cardinal Dolan, who compared Charlie Kirk to saint
- H3 20 rumors involving US immigration authorities, fact-checked
- H3 Don't believe rumor Trump told Pope Leo XIV to 'sit down' amid Iran war debate
- H3 Video doesn't show downed US pilot in Iranian custody
- H2 Snopes
- H4 Search skipped
- H4 Discover
- H4 Submit
- H1 Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information duplicate H1
A page should have only one H1. Multiple H1s dilute the document outline.
Multiple H1s blur the page's primary topic — screen-reader users and Google both prefer one H1.
Learn more ▾ ▴
HTML5's outline algorithm technically allows multiple H1s within sectioning content, but no browser implements it. In practice: one H1 per page. Use H2-H6 for subsections.
Source: WCAG 2.4.6 / Google Search Central
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline. Screen readers may interpret missing levels as structural errors.
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline — screen-reader users lose track of section nesting.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Screen reader users navigate by jumping between headings (H1 → H2 → H3). Skipping (H1 → H3) breaks the sense of hierarchy. Use sequential levels even if you don't like the default styling — restyle with CSS instead. WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) treats this as an A failure.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.3.1 / W3C WAI
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline. Screen readers may interpret missing levels as structural errors.
Skipping heading levels breaks the document outline — screen-reader users lose track of section nesting.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Screen reader users navigate by jumping between headings (H1 → H2 → H3). Skipping (H1 → H3) breaks the sense of hierarchy. Use sequential levels even if you don't like the default styling — restyle with CSS instead. WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships) treats this as an A failure.
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 1.3.1 / W3C WAI
C404 Error PageActionHTTP 404, custom pageREVIEW
BFavicon & Branding16 icon(s) detectedREVIEW
BLighthouse Accessibility AuditsScore 84/100 — 5 failing, 22 passedREVIEW
Accessibility
These checks highlight opportunities to improve the accessibility of your web app. Automatic detection can only detect a subset of issues and does not guarantee the accessibility of your web app, so manual testing is also encouraged.
ARIA
Using ARIA attributes in roles where they are prohibited can mean that important information is not communicated to users of assistive technologies. Learn more about prohibited ARIA roles.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Nav Menu div.outer_navbar_container > div#main_top_nav_cont > div.main_navbar_wrap > div#mobile_nav_menu |
These are opportunities to improve the usage of ARIA in your application which may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.
Contrast
Low-contrast text is difficult or impossible for many users to read. Learn how to provide sufficient color contrast.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Snopes div#outer-promo-banner > div.promo-banner > div.promo-text-container > span.promo-text-top |
Now available in the app store! div#outer-promo-banner > div.promo-banner > div.promo-text-container > span.promo-text |
Advertisment: body.app-promo > main#homepage_main > div#sticky_mobile_adslot > p.advertisment_text |
Advertisment: body.app-promo > main#homepage_main > div.banner_ad_between_sections > p.advertisment_text |
Advertisment: body.app-promo > main#homepage_main > div.banner_ad_between_sections > p.advertisment_text |
© 1995 - 2026 by Snopes, Inc. div.footer_row > div.terms_dmca_wrapper > div.inner_wrap > p.text_row |
This material may not be reproduced without permission. div.footer_row > div.terms_dmca_wrapper > div.inner_wrap > p.text_row |
Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com div.footer_row > div.terms_dmca_wrapper > div.inner_wrap > p.text_row |
Terms & Conditions div.terms_dmca_wrapper > div.inner_wrap > nav.terms_nav > a.terms_link |
Privacy Policy div.terms_dmca_wrapper > div.inner_wrap > nav.terms_nav > a.terms_link |
DMCA Policy div.terms_dmca_wrapper > div.inner_wrap > nav.terms_nav > a.terms_link |
These are opportunities to improve the legibility of your content.
Navigation
Properly ordered headings that do not skip levels convey the semantic structure of the page, making it easier to navigate and understand when using assistive technologies. Learn more about heading order.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Unpacking WSJ report claiming aides kept Trump out of Situation Room during res… div.article_wrapper > div.article_info_wrap > div.text_wrap > h3.article_title |
Search div.what_is_snopes_wrap > div.outer_snopes_bullet_wrap > div.snopes_bullet_wrap > h4 |
These are opportunities to improve keyboard navigation in your application.
Names and labels
Link text (and alternate text for images, when used as links) that is discernible, unique, and focusable improves the navigation experience for screen reader users. Learn how to make links accessible.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
body.app-promo > div#outer-promo-banner > div.promo-banner > a#promo-close-button body.app-promo > div#outer-promo-banner > div.promo-banner > a#promo-close-button |
These are opportunities to improve the semantics of the controls in your application. This may enhance the experience for users of assistive technology, like a screen reader.
Best practices
Touch targets with sufficient size and spacing help users who may have difficulty targeting small controls to activate the targets. Learn more about touch targets.
Performance issues directly impact user engagement and conversion rates.
| Failing Elements |
|---|
Go to slide 1 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#news_and_politics_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 2 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#news_and_politics_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 3 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#news_and_politics_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 1 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#election_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 2 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#election_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 3 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#election_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 1 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#entertainment_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 2 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#entertainment_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 1 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#science_and_technology_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 2 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#science_and_technology_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 3 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#science_and_technology_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 1 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#history_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 2 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#history_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 3 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#history_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 1 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#classics_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
Go to slide 2 div.latest_articles_wrap > div#classics_carousel > div.swiper-pagination > span.swiper-pagination-bullet |
These items highlight common accessibility best practices.
AAlt Text QualityAll 71 images OKPASS
| Issue | Count |
|---|---|
| too long | 22 image(s) |
AForm Accessibility1 of 1 controls have issuesPASS
| Control | Type | Label | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| search_input | search | (Search Snopes...) | placeholder only |
Placeholder text disappears on focus and is not a reliable label.
<input type="search" name="search_input">
Placeholder-only labels disappear when the user starts typing — they must remember what the field was for.
Learn more ▾ ▴
Placeholders are NOT labels. They vanish on input, fail color contrast checks (most are gray), and don't satisfy WCAG SC 3.3.2. Always use a real <label> alongside (or aria-labelledby).
Source: WCAG 2.1 SC 3.3.2 / Nielsen Norman
A+Color Contrast (Screenshot)20 text elements analyzed, 0 fail WCAG AAPASS
Analyzes text contrast against the actual rendered page, including background images, gradients, and overlays that CSS-based tools cannot detect.
Show all checked elements (20)
| Element | Ratio | Required | FG | BG | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| h1 Snopes Homepage | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h1 Opt out of the sale … | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h2 Become a Member | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Unpacking WSJ report… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 State Department rep… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Does FBI classify LG… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Facts behind claim C… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Did Artemis II astro… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Kash Patel faces cla… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Did Trump cancel $11… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Inspecting photos al… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Did Ted Lieu expose … | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 11 fake Melania Trum… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Chart claiming to sh… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Rumor claims Trump's… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Did Apple Maps 'eras… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Did Trump cancel Pri… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 7 claims about House… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Fake image of girls … | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
| h3 Watch out for fake T… | 21.00:1 | 3.0:1 | #000000 | #FFFFFF | Pass |
Methodology: The top 20 text elements by font size were checked. Background color was sampled from the desktop screenshot using a 5-point pattern. WCAG 2.1 AA requires 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.