What attribute is required in the <img> tag for accessibility?

The correct answer is the "alt" attribute in the <img> tag. This attribute is essential for accessibility because it provides a text alternative for images. Screen readers, which assist visually impaired users by reading content aloud, rely on the "alt" attribute to convey the meaning or purpose of an image. If an image fails to load or if a user cannot see it, the information described in the "alt" text ensures that the essence of the image is still communicated.

When crafting web content, including the "alt" attribute helps create a more inclusive experience, allowing all users to understand the context and message presented through imagery. Additionally, it can improve SEO since search engines can read "alt" text to understand what the image content is.

Other attributes may serve different functions: the "src" attribute specifies the image file's location, while "title" gives additional information about the image when hovered over. The "href" attribute is used in anchor tags for links and does not apply to images. Therefore, "alt" stands out as the key attribute for ensuring accessibility.