What does the CVAA cover?
The law has two main parts, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) writes and enforces the rules under it.
| Part | About | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Title I | Communications services and products | Internet calling (VoIP), electronic messaging and interoperable video conferencing |
| Title II | Video programming and equipment | Captions online, audio description, accessible emergency information and accessible controls on devices |
Does the CVAA require captions on online video?
Only for some videos. Programming that was shown on TV with captions must also have captions when it is delivered online, including clips of that programming.
- Programs shown only on the internet aren't covered.
- Movies shown online aren't covered unless they were shown on TV with captions.
- Consumer-generated video is generally exempt, unless it was shown on TV with captions.
- Captioned clips of live programming can be posted up to 12 hours after the TV showing, and near-live programming up to 8 hours after.
- The rules for clips don't apply to third-party websites or apps.
Does the CVAA apply to my website?
Probably not, if you run an ordinary business website. The CVAA matters most if you:
- Show video programming that was on TV with captions.
- Offer a messaging, internet calling or video conferencing service.
- Make devices that play video or provide these services.
Other rules can still apply to your website, such as the ADA, and WCAG asks for captions on prerecorded video whatever the CVAA says. Captions help many people, so add them to your own videos anyway.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a qualified lawyer about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CVAA the same as the ADA?
No. The ADA is a broad civil rights law. The CVAA is about communications services, video programming and the devices used for them, under rules from the FCC.
Do internet-only videos need captions under the CVAA?
No. The internet captioning rules cover programming shown on TV with captions. Programs shown only online aren't covered, though captions still help your viewers and other rules may ask for them.
Does the CVAA apply to my website?
Usually not, unless you show programming that was on TV with captions, or offer a messaging, internet calling or video conferencing service.
Sources
- FCC: 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)fcc.gov
- FCC: Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Actfcc.gov
- FCC: Accessibility of Advanced Communications Services and Equipmentfcc.gov
- FCC: Closed Captioning of Internet Video Programmingfcc.gov
- FCC 14-97: Video clips orderdocs.fcc.gov