Access to Information of Disabled People on the Web: A Dispute between Accessibility and Digital Rights Management

Abstract

Objective - The study aims to explore the dispute between accessibility and Digital Rights Management (DRM) for disabled people in accessing information on the Web. More specifically, this paper explores the challenges DRM has placed on them. Methodology/Technique –This study inspects the controversial interaction between accessibility and DRM in relation to disabled people’s access to information on the Web using document analysis from a socio-legal perspective. Further, the black-letter law of some widely known and internationally cited regulations are used in the investigation and discussion. Findings & Novelty- It is argued that the regulations which are beneficial to the accessibility of disabled people are overruled by DRM. More specifically, the challenges posed by DRM include: (1) Negligence of disabled people’s rights, (2) Conflict of accessibility, and (3) Ignorance of copyright-related exceptions. This study is a cross disciplinary study probing the issue of disabled people in both legal studies, through relevant legislation, and information studies, through the topic of information access on the Web. It examines and analyses major regulations issued by leading organizations across the two disciplines. The findings of this study may be beneficial to knowledge and practice to bridge the gap of human rights for information access, particularly for disabled people, and argues that both information and legal professionals should be responsible for this. Type of Paper: Review