this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2026
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Fediverse

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The Fediverse ALT-Text issue (lemmy.ml)
submitted 1 week ago by madeindex@lemmy.world to c/fediverse@lemmy.ml
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cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/45437770

I've been thinking a lot about the Fediverse ALT issue.

Some people are annoyed by posts without Alttext, & others get reminded¹ to add it.

The core question is: How can we improve accessibility?

Proposal: ☑️ Add a user filter to hide media posts without AltTag ☑️ Reduced engagement on hidden posts would encourage adding Alt text ☑️ People who need accessibility wouldn't have to encounter unlabeled media

If this gets traction, I'll open a Mastodon GitHub issue (maybe on others too?).

¹ https://mastodon.social/@madeindex/113996311493021102

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[–] dre@dis-le.de 4 points 1 week ago

@madeindex
I can reassure you. With this feature, the Fediverse is still looking good

A feature in Friendica that hides images without alt text.

[–] Allero@lemmy.today 2 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) (1 children)

With just how many posts don't have alt-text, the feed may get to look quite empty.

This, in turn, would drive many off the Fediverse altogether, as it will be seen as a dead place.

Besides, we are not at the level of popularity where we can afford to exclude any creators.

Just my humble opinion

[–] Tangentism@lemmy.ml 0 points 1 week ago (1 children)

But you're willing to sacrifice those with accessibility requirements?

[–] Allero@lemmy.today 0 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

No, I just don't think enforcement is good at this stage of platform development.

I do support adding alt-text!