[r00fus]

If that's the case - then why does the alt-text show the text [1]? Kind of defeats the purpose theorized in the rumor...

[1] yes, it's for section 508 compliance, I know

[Crito]

I'd kind of be a dick move to screw over people who can't read the images (people who use screen readers for instance), so the alt-text allows that. But what reporter knows how to copy it?

[Stratoscope]

Reporters can't copy alt text.