Audio can be paused or adjusted easily
What this criterion checks
This criterion maps to 1.4.2 Audio Control. A detailed plain-language description is maintained in the WebLens criteria catalogue; the WCAG sub-test breakdown below describes exactly what the agent checks and what it does not.
How it's assessed
WebLens walks each user journey, captures a screenshot at every step, and an agent reasons over that evidence. See the how WebLens works for the full pipeline and the deterministic checks layered in for accessibility.
Sub-test coverage
1.4.2 Audio Control is broken into 4 sub-tests. Coverage is honest about where the agent is reliable, where it only partially checks the requirement, and where a human reviewer is still needed.
4 partial
- At least one mechanism existsPartial
Our tool verifies that auto-playing HTML5 media elements have the native controls attribute (which provides both pause and volume control). It fails elements that can autoplay without any controls. Custom mechanisms beyond native HTML controls are not detected.
- Detection of auto-playing audioPartial
Our tool detects HTML5 audio and video elements configured to autoplay. It checks whether they last more than 3 seconds (including looping audio under 3 seconds). However, it cannot detect audio played via JavaScript APIs, Web Audio API, or third-party embedded players.
- Mechanism to control volume independentlyPartial
Our tool checks for the presence of native HTML controls on auto-playing media, which include volume control. Custom JavaScript-based volume controls are not detected.
- Mechanism to pause or stopPartial
Our tool checks whether HTML5 audio and video elements with autoplay have a controls mechanism (the native HTML controls attribute). It passes if controls are present. However, it cannot verify custom pause/stop controls implemented via JavaScript or assess whether controls are easily discoverable.
How reliable it is
This criterion is still building up testing data, so confirm its findings as you review. See Accuracy & confidence for how the confidence tags are set.