Bandcamp faces legal action from visually impaired artists over inaccessibility

Globally popular music store Bandcamp faces legal action following claims that its website is inaccessible for visually impaired artists. 

The class-action lawsuit was brought against them by a visually impaired artist named Linda Slade, who is completely blind and relies on website readers to assist her online requirements. Bandcamp’s website lacks the functionality to help people like Linda use their website, rendering it out of bounds for people with specific audiovisual needs. 

The lawsuit reads: “Plaintiff brings this civil rights action against Bandcamp for its failure to design, construct, maintain, and operate their website to be fully accessible to and independently usable by Plaintiff and other blind or visually-impaired persons,”

Defendant has chosen to rely on an exclusively visual interface. Bandcamp’s sighted customers can independently browse, select, and buy online without the assistance of others. However, blind persons must rely on their sighted companions to assist them in accessing, enjoying, and purchasing on Bandcamp.com,”

Plaintiff seeks a permanent injunction to cause a change in Bandcamp’s policies, practices, and procedures so that the website will become and remain accessible to blind and visually impaired people,”

The complaint argues several key points, including Bandcamp’s website failing to provide adequate access to visually impaired people and violating their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Bandcamp is renowned for its commitment to artists and has become a preferred choice for many independents globally – and their fans. With this lawsuit coming to the fore, it’s clear that the company, recently acquired by Epic Games, has some way to go before it’s an agreeably inclusive space for all artists.