Description
SC:
Content does not restrict its view and operation to a single display orientation, such as portrait or landscape, unless a specific display orientation is essential.
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#orientation
What does restricting mean in relation to "view" and "operation" of content?
I get that this SC is intended to have authors respect orientation settings. At the same time, the wording "restrict its view and operation" gives me the impression that content still has to be readable and functional where present.
For example, a paragraph of text respects both portrait and landscape mode and avoids a scenario of text being read sideways. However, the first word of each sentence in the paragraph is cut-off when landscape.
What good is respecting orientation if the content isn't viewable?
Then again, if a paragraph of text is read sideways because orientation is not respected, how does that restrict view? Or if it contained a link, how would that restrict its operation?
In addition, does the below part of the Understanding document mean that the functionality or content can change but that information and functionality is not lost?
Changes in content or functionality due to the size of display are not covered by this criterion which is focused on restrictions of orientation.