time: visible date and machine-readable value

Useful to know

<time> marks a time, date, or supported time value. The datetime attribute can give a machine-readable presentation while the text remains in a convenient format. For example, <time datetime="2026-10-21">21 October 2026 .</time> connects the two forms. [1]

This is useful in a publication date, event, or change. The item does not prove that the recorded date is correct, and does not update it automatically. The application must submit the correct value from its data.

At an hour that is relevant to people in different countries, specify the time zone in the appropriate presentation. Do not mix a date of first publication with a date of last change under the same label: the machine format is only useful when the meaning of the field is also accurate.