The Web Accessibility Act will be expanded in 2025
Are you ready for the new legal requirement?
Web Accessibility Has Long Been a Key Topic in the Digital World, but with the upcoming expansion of the Web Accessibility Act in 2025, businesses will also be required to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to everyone.
This legislative change marks an important step toward a more inclusive internet, but it also means that those who are unprepared risk facing serious consequences.
We offer a technical analysis to identify what you need to improve to meet the requirements.
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What does the new legislation entail?
The Web Accessibility Act from 2018 only covered websites and mobile applications of public institutions. Starting in June 2025, the law will be expanded to include all digital services.
This means that private companies offering products or services online, such as webshops, must also ensure that their digital content is accessible to people living with:
- Visual impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Motor impairments
- Cognitive impairments
The purpose of this expansion is to ensure that everyone has equal access to information and digital services.
Examples of small changes that make a big difference:
- Alt texts for images, so the image can be converted to text and read by a screen reader
- Subtitles for videos, so content can be understood without sound
- Tabbing order, so users can navigate through the page content using the tab key on the keyboard
Why is it important to stay ahead?
- Legal security and avoidance of sanctions
By failing to comply with new requirements, companies risk not only damage to their reputation but also legal sanctions. This can lead to fines, compensation claims, and, in the worst case, lawsuits. - Improved user experience for everyone
Web accessibility is not only about catering to people with disabilities. Many of the improvements needed to meet accessibility requirements, such as enhanced navigation and readability, benefit all users. An accessible website is often also a more user-friendly website. - Increased reach and customer base
According to the WHO, around 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability. By making your website accessible to this group, you open the door to a significantly larger audience and potentially new customers. - Future-proofing your digital platform
Technology is constantly evolving, and web accessibility is no exception. By being proactive and implementing accessibility measures now, you can ensure that your digital platform is prepared for future changes in legislation and technology.
What should your company do now?
- Conduct an accessibility audit
Start by getting a professional assessment of your current digital platform's accessibility. This will help you identify weaknesses and areas that need improvement. - Implement the WCAG guidelines
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the international standards for web accessibility. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your website meets both current and future legal requirements. - Educate your team
Accessibility is an ongoing process. Make sure your team is trained in best practices for maintaining an accessible website and understands the importance of this work. - Involve people with disabilities in the process
No one knows better how a website works for people with disabilities than those who live with it daily. By including them in the development process, you can get valuable feedback and ensure that your efforts are truly making a difference.
Conclusion
With the upcoming expansion of the Web Accessibility Act in 2025, it is crucial to take the necessary steps now to ensure your digital platforms are fully accessible.
By acting proactively, you can not only avoid legal issues and financial penalties but also enhance the user experience, expand your customer base, and future-proof your business.
Accessibility is not just a legal obligation – it is an ethical responsibility to society and an investment in your company’s long-term success.
Shall we have a conversation about web accessibility?
Want to know more?
Kåre Gade Petersen
Senior Business Consultant
+45 26 37 79 14
kgp@consit.dk
