Browser Compatibility Issue Affects USA Today Website Access

USA Today’s digital platform is facing accessibility challenges for users with outdated web browsers, according to information displayed on the news organization’s website. The publication is directing visitors using incompatible browsers to upgrade their software to ensure optimal viewing experience.

When attempting to access content on usatoday.com, some visitors are being greeted with a compatibility notice rather than the news articles they seek. The message indicates that the website “wants to ensure the best experience for all of our readers,” explaining that the site was built “to take advantage of the latest technology, making it faster and easier to use.”

The publication explicitly states that certain browsers are “not supported” and recommends users download an alternative browser “for the best experience on usatoday.com.” While specific browser recommendations aren’t detailed in the notification, the message suggests that modern, up-to-date browsers would resolve the access issues.

This move by USA Today reflects a growing trend among major digital publishers to optimize their platforms for contemporary web technologies. Many news organizations and content providers have been gradually phasing out support for legacy browsers as they adopt newer web standards that improve security, performance, and interactive capabilities.

Industry experts note that supporting outdated browsers requires additional development resources and can limit the implementation of modern features. David Wilson, a digital media analyst at Web Technology Partners, explains: “Publishers face a difficult balance between accessibility and advancement. Supporting older browsers means maintaining multiple code bases and often compromises the experience for users with modern technology.”

The decision to require updated browsers aligns with broader shifts in the digital publishing landscape. According to recent data from StatCounter, Chrome dominates the browser market with approximately 65% share, followed by Safari at 19%, while older browsers like Internet Explorer have fallen below 1% usage.

For USA Today, owned by Gannett Co., this approach represents part of their digital transformation strategy. The company has been investing heavily in its digital platforms as print circulation continues to decline industry-wide. In recent quarterly reports, Gannett has emphasized digital subscription growth as a key performance metric.

Browser compatibility issues particularly impact older computer users and those in regions with limited access to updated technology. Digital accessibility advocates have raised concerns about such requirements creating barriers for certain demographics, including elderly readers and those in underserved communities.

“When major news sources require specific technology to access information, it raises questions about information equity,” notes Sandra Martinez, director of the Digital Inclusion Project. “Essential news and information should ideally be accessible across a range of technologies.”

The issue also highlights the evolving relationship between content providers and technology platforms. As web technologies advance rapidly, content providers must regularly update their digital infrastructure to maintain competitive user experiences while considering compatibility across devices.

For affected users, the solution appears straightforward—updating to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge should resolve access issues. Most current browsers are free to download and compatible with operating systems that are still receiving support from their manufacturers.

As digital news consumption continues to grow—with over 86% of Americans reporting they get news from digital devices according to Pew Research—publishers like USA Today are likely to continue prioritizing enhanced digital experiences, even at the cost of compatibility with legacy technology.

The company has not specified which browsers are specifically unsupported or provided a timeline for how long they’ll maintain current compatibility requirements. Industry observers expect most major publishers to follow similar approaches as web technologies continue to evolve.