Ombretta Gaggi

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Ombretta Gaggi is a leading researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, web accessibility, and inclusive design. Her work critically examines how common web security mechanisms, particularly CAPTCHAs, create unintended barriers for users with disabilities. In her highly cited 2022 study, "A study on Accessibility of Google ReCAPTCHA Systems" (14 citations), she systematically demonstrated how visual-based CAPTCHA tests exclude users with visual impairments, challenging the assumption that such systems are universally usable. Her earlier foundational paper, "Are CAPTCHAs preventing robotic intrusion or accessibility for impaired users?" (2020, 10 citations), posed a provocative question that reframed the accessibility debate: are we prioritizing security over equitable access? Gaggi’s research goes beyond critique—she advocates for rethinking web design to serve the widest possible audience, regardless of ability. Her work has influenced discussions on inclusive authentication methods and has been cited in accessibility guidelines and policy recommendations. By exposing the hidden costs of security measures, Gaggi has become a vital voice in ensuring that the promise of the World Wide Web extends to everyone, not just the able-bodied.