I've used the "required" parameter for a checkbox, expecting that this would result in a HTML input element with the "required" attribute set. But this is not the case. Neither is the HTML attribute used, nor is the form checked for a non-empty value (i.a.w., selecting the checkbox is not enforced).
Topic on Talk:HTMLForm
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Same with type="radio". The "required" parameter has no effect. The user is not forced to select a non-empty option.