FedScoop reports that dozens of software developers and former government employees sent GSA leaders an open letter warning that recent changes to the U.S. Web Design System have put the decade-old open-source component library and the thousands of federal websites it powers in jeopardy. The letter cites placing USWDS lead Anne Petersen on administrative leave, installing new leadership, removing contributors from the public GitHub repository, deleting public comments, and adding untested AI programs intended to automate accessibility testing, and it asks GSA to restore maintainer access and former staff, keep rigorous manual accessibility testing with documented quality assurance, and communicate openly. Signatories say the loss of experienced community maintainers leaves agencies unable to keep treating USWDS as trusted government infrastructure.
Coalition warns the U.S. Web Design System is 'in jeopardy' after maintainer removals
FedScoop reports that dozens of software developers and former government employees sent GSA leaders an open letter warning that recent changes to the U.S. Web Design System have put the decade-old open-source component library and the thousands of federal websites it powers in jeopardy. The letter cites placing USWDS lead Anne Petersen on administrative leave, installing new leadership, removing contributors from the public GitHub repository, deleting public comments, and adding untested AI programs intended to automate accessibility testing, and it asks GSA to restore maintainer access and former staff, keep rigorous manual accessibility testing with documented quality assurance, and communicate openly. Signatories say the loss of experienced community maintainers leaves agencies unable to keep treating USWDS as trusted government infrastructure.
Source: Fedscoop