UniWeb releases image alt text creation feature using generative AI.

2024/04/04

Kiva Corporation (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President: Kota Nojiri, hereinafter referred to as Kiva) is pleased to announce the release of the alternative text (alt) creation feature for images utilizing generative AI in the web accessibility service 'Uniweb.'

Uniweb:https://hellouniweb.com

 

◾️ Background of the Release

With the amendment to the Disability Discrimination Elimination Act* effective April 1, 2024, the provision of reasonable accommodation, which was previously mandatory for government agencies and an effort obligation for businesses, will now be mandatory for businesses as well, making corporate response an urgent matter.

In this situation, we have received inquiries from companies using Uniweb, such as 'it's difficult to register alternative text for each image' and 'I don't know what kind of alternative text to register.' Therefore, we decided to release the alternative text (alt) creation feature for images utilizing generative AI to simplify accessibility compliance for companies.

Through Uniweb, we strive to enable more people to access accurate information from the site, and we are dedicated to product development.

* Act on the Elimination of Disability Discrimination
A law aimed at promoting the elimination of discrimination based on disability and realizing a society where all citizens coexist while mutually respecting each other's personalities and individualities without discrimination based on the presence or absence of disability.

 

◾️Feature for Creating Alt Text for Images Using Generative AI

By registering the image URL from the Uniweb management screen, we will suggest the optimal alternative text in a few minutes.

When images from the site are obtained and alternative text (alt) is generated, cards like the following will be displayed in the Image Alt list.

1. Images Obtained from the Site
2. This is the alternative text (alt) that was originally set on the site.
3. This is the alternative text (alt) generated by AI. You can click on the text field to edit it.

Please note that images may not be obtainable depending on the site.
Please note that alternative text (alt) may not be generated for some images.

 

◾️What is Web Accessibility?

It is not a special accommodation only for the disabled or elderly, but anyone can be in the same situation as a disabled person.

• Temporary injury or illness (e.g., car accident with arm in cast and unable to use arm, eye disease with eye patch and blindness, etc.)
• Age-related changes
• Age-related vision loss (presbyopia, lens changes (yellowish, dark, blurred vision, etc.))
• Eye diseases common in middle-aged and older adults (cataracts, glaucoma, etc.)
  *About half of the patients in their late 70s have cataracts with yellowing changes.
• Age-related hearing loss
• Foreign travelers (if a foreigner who does not understand Japanese is struck by an earthquake while traveling, can he/she obtain evacuation information, etc.)

Reference: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Accessibility of Websites, etc. Required of Public Organizations
https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_content/000543284.pdf

 

◾️About UniWeb

UniWeb supports web accessibility features "on the day of deployment" by simply adding a single line of code to all web services.

In order to achieve equal website services for all, we want to put users in various situations, such as those with visual impairments or those who temporarily lose the use of their hands due to injury, in a position to understand correct information through various uses such as voice reading and contrast changes.

 

◾️ Kiva Corporation

Representative: Kota Nojiri, President and Representative Director
Location : 3-12-5 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo +SHIFT TSUKIJI 7F
URL :https://kiva.co.jp/
Business :
・Development and operation of the reliable purchase guarantee service 'proteger' (https://hi.helloproteger.com/）
・Development and operation of web accessibility service 'Uniweb' (https://hellouniweb.com）