The European Accessibility Act (EAA), a directive by the European Union, is set to come into effect on June 28, 2025. This legislation aims to enhance the accessibility of products and services, including digital platforms, across the EU. It mandates that businesses ensure their digital offerings are accessible to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal access to digital services.
Who Needs to Comply?
The EAA applies to businesses offering digital products or services within the EU, regardless of their physical location. This includes sectors such as e-commerce, banking, telecommunications, and public services. However, microenterprises—defined as those employing fewer than 10 persons and with an annual turnover not exceeding €2 million—are exempt from these requirements.
Accessibility Standards to Meet
To comply with the EAA, digital platforms must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, which outline how to make web content more accessible to people with disabilities. These guidelines focus on ensuring content is:
Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable to users in ways they can perceive.
Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable.
Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable.
Robust: Content must be robust enough that it can be reliably interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies.
Additionally, the EN 301 549 standard provides specific technical requirements for ICT accessibility, aligning with WCAG guidelines and legal requirements.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the EAA can result in significant penalties, varying by country. For instance, in Germany, fines can reach up to €500,000, while in Italy, penalties may amount to €40,000 or 5% of turnover for certain private entities. Continuous non-compliance can also lead to daily fines, which can be as high as €1,000 per day.
Current State of Web Accessibility
As of 2024, a study revealed that 97% of major websites fail to meet accessibility standards, highlighting a significant gap in compliance. This underscores the urgency for businesses to prioritize accessibility in their digital offerings to avoid legal repercussions and to serve a broader audience.
Benefits of Implementing Accessibility
Implementing accessibility features not only helps in avoiding legal penalties but also brings several advantages:
Wider Audience Reach: By making digital platforms accessible, businesses can reach a broader audience, including individuals with disabilities.
Improved User Experience: Accessible design often leads to a better overall user experience, benefiting all users, not just those with disabilities.
Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity can enhance a company's reputation and build trust with customers.
Legal Compliance: Ensuring accessibility helps businesses comply with legal requirements, avoiding potential fines and sanctions.
Incorporating accessibility into digital platforms is not just a legal obligation but also a step towards creating an inclusive digital environment that caters to the needs of all users.
Conclusion
The European Accessibility Act represents a significant step towards ensuring digital inclusivity across the EU. Businesses must take proactive measures to comply with the EAA by implementing accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549. By doing so, they not only avoid potential penalties but also contribute to a more inclusive digital landscape.