Current Legal Status
Until now, the obligation to ensure digital accessibility was mainly incumbent on public institutions and the entities defined in the Law of 4 April 2019 on the digital accessibility of public entities' websites and mobile applications. This meant that these institutions had to adapt their websites and mobile apps to make them accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities.
Extension of the Scope of Obligations
The EAA Directive significantly expands the scope of entities that will be obliged to ensure digital accessibility. From 2025, the legislation will also cover:
Banking
All banking services, including websites, mobile apps and ATMs, will have to be accessible to people with different types of disabilities.
E-commerce (e-commerce)
Online shops will be required to ensure that the entire purchase path - from browsing products to finalising the purchase - is accessible.
Computer systems
Software and computer systems that are used to provide services to customers must be adapted to meet accessibility requirements.
Key Requirements of the EAA Directive
The EAA Directive introduces specific standards that must be met by those covered by its provisions:
Websites and Mobile Applications
Must comply with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1 at level AA, meaning that content must be perceptual, operational, understandable and robust.
Digital Documents
All documents, such as PDFs, available online must be adapted for people using assistive technologies such as screen readers.
Devices and Terminals
ATMs, payment terminals and other interactive devices must be accessible and easy to use for people with disabilities.
Transaction Services
Processes such as online shopping, payments and other digital transactions must be accessible to all users.
Benefits for Society and Business
The implementation of the EAA Directive will bring numerous benefits:
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For Society: Facilitating access to digital services for people with disabilities, which will increase their independence and improve their quality of life.
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For Business: Broadening the customer base to include people who have previously struggled to use digital services. EAA-compliant companies can also improve their image as socially responsible.
Challenges and Preparation
Businesses need to prepare for the upcoming changes, which involves:
Updating technology
Upgrading websites, mobile applications and computer systems.
Training
Education of employees on digital accessibility.
Accessibility audits
Conducting regular audits to ensure that all services meet the new requirements.
Summary
The EAA Directive introduces significant changes to digital accessibility that will not only cover public institutions but also a wide range of private sectors. From 2025 onwards, banking, e-commerce, computer systems and many other areas will have to adapt their services to the new requirements, which will contribute to greater accessibility and equality in access to digital services for all EU citizens. Businesses should start preparing now to meet these requirements and ensure that their services are accessible to all users.
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