VoiceXML 2.1 Comment

On behalf of the Protocols and Formats Working Group (WAI):

We are concerned that the security provisions specified in Appendix E:
Securing access to <data>

http://www.w3.org/TR/2004/WD-voicexml21-20040728/#sec-data-security

would negatively impact accessibility.

*       It is reasonable to believe that various agencies and service
*       organizations might create specialized scripts to better meet
*       the interface needs of certain populations of persons with
*       disabilities who cannot directly use a voice-based service
*       without special accomodation. Indeed, we believe such enhanced
*       interfaces could provide access to information and services were
*       it does not exist today. Protecting this opportunity is
*       important.

*       The mechanism outlined in Appendix E, however, tends to limit
*       access to organizations known to the organization hosting the
*       VoiceXML application. Agencies serving persons with
*       disabilities, however, are likely to be unknown and of lesser
*       commercial impact. It is likely, therefore, that agencies
*       serving persons with disabilities would find it dificult to be
*       listed.

*       Furthermore, the mechanism specified in Appendix E would require
*       agencies serving persons with disabilities to seek listing with
*       every VoiceXML application host individually. This is burdensome
*       and likely to result in spotty accessibility support at best.

We would suggest the security control provisions be reconsidered to
provide for a authenticated access vouched and certified by a
third-party trust broker. While such services may not be commonplace
today, we believe numerous use case scenarios exist for such
services--beyond the current instance.

-- 
        
                                Janina Sajka, Chair
                                Accessibility Workgroup
                                Free Standards Group (FSG)

janina@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx        Phone: +1 202.494.7040