Links to External Web Content

External web content is any web page, web asset, or web site that is not sponsored, hosted, or managed by CDC on the CDC.gov domain.

Style

Links to external content must comply with the HHS Web Standard: External Link Icon & Disclaimer. This standard says that all links to non-CDC external content must provide an “exit notification” indicated by a standard external link icon to the right of the external link. Users tend to assume that links will take them to another page within the same site and trust content provided by CDC. This indicator helps differentiate non-CDC content and avoid user confusion about its source. The link color and underlining rules are the same as standard web content links within the content area and containers.

Alt text for the external link icon should be: “External Web Site Icon,” and must be included with every usage of the icon graphic. The standard icon is available from the HHS Icon and Widget Library; however, its display is automated in the RD Templates for external links detected for each page.

 

Example: The Alcohol Policies project works with many organizations and individuals to promote a comprehensive, prevention-oriented approach to the role of alcohol in society.

Exceptions to Style

In some instances, displaying the external link icons may detract from the other visual details of the element or not be necessary because the link or associated icon is so well-recognized, the icon may not be necessary (e.g. facebook.com/cdc). In these instances, content owners may override the default link style and hide the external icons in order to avoid displaying so many redundant icons. This can be done using the noLinking class or via checkbox on the Developer tab options in the WCMS edit screen for content pages.

• Links to Social Media Sites including text links, but especially for icons or campaign images
• Linked buttons/badges to partner or other external sites

 

Behavior

Links to external web content should open content in the same browser window (no change to the default browser behavior). Opening links in the same browser window allows users to choose how they want to interact with the site and allows them to use the familiar browser back button. It also reduces confusion for novice web users and users with visual impairments, and best supports accessibility software. Note that despite this default behavior, it is very possible these links will open in new windows as a result of users’ selected browser settings, devices, and platforms.

CDC must also disclaim all non-governmental links (e.g. .com, .org, .edu) using standard disclaimer text. This applies to public‐facing (external) web sites, intranet sites, extranets. portals, and blogs. CDC provides access to the proper disclaimer through the external link icon linked to the “Web Site Disclaimers” web page. For sites in Spanish or other languages, this disclaimer should be translated as needed.

 

Example: Exit Notification/Disclaimer Policy (English language)

Placement

Links to external content should only be placed in the content area or in designed modules. They should not be placed in the Left Navigation, Navigation Buttons, Feature Players, Navigation Maps, or other features that support site navigation or promote specific content. If used in these areas, the style may break the layout of the container or surrounding features. Navigation Maps will not automatically display the file icons due to design and layout limitations.

External Non-HTML Files

External non-HTML Files are files on other web sites that are not sponsored, hosted, or managed by CDC. This includes files on all nongovernmental web sites, .net, .edu, .org, and .com sites, state, local and other non‐federal .gov sites, and any extranet which includes non‐federal participants.

Links to external non-HTML files should be avoided. If used, these links must comply with the HHS Web Standards and the Style, Behavior, and Placement details described in the sections above.

• Links to CDC Non-HTML Files
• Links to External Web Content

Style

See the Style sections above for details.

 

Example: MOD provides a health library with fact sheets on a variety of subjects including FASDs and the risks of drinking during pregnancy. External Media [PDF – 98.6KB]

Behavior

See the Behavior sections above for details.

 

Links to English Content from Spanish Pages

Links to English content from Spanish pages should be avoided if possible. When necessary, an asterisk * should be added after the link and a disclaimer message should be added at the bottom of the page stating that the link may lead to a page in English language. The disclaimer should read as follows: “* Los enlaces a sitios web pueden llevar a páginas en inglés.” and use the class “gray4-color” to set the text to dark gray.  In some rare instances a link to an English non-HTML file or external site may be needed on a Spanish page. In these cases, the disclaimer should also be displayed.

 

Sample code available at El resfriado común: Protéjase y proteja a los demás.

References

• Nall, Koyani and Lafond, 2001
• Nielsen and Tahir, 2002
• Spool, et al., 1997
• The Top Ten Web Design Mistakes of 1999
• W3C, Opening new windows
• The HHS Web Communications Web site provides policies and standards for Use of Text for links
• The Universal Usability Web site has further guidance on how to use descriptive link text
• The Web Accessibility in Mind Web site gives a general overview of accessibility for links and hypertext. The site provides explanations regarding keyboard accessibility of links, as well as the use of screen readers by users for accessing links
• The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provides a checkpoint that captures an important requirement stating that the target should be clearly defined by each link
• Presenting Links to Materials in Multiple Languages