Accessibility Compliance Laws

On 28 June 2025, every piece of digital media that can be viewed or heard in the EU must meet new accessibility rules. Compliance is not limited to European creators; it follows the audience, NOT the upload location. What the law now expects from you: - Closed captions on all video with audio. They must cover dialogue and key sounds like music or applause. - Full transcripts for audio-only formats such as podcasts. - Accessible players and controls that let viewers switch captions on, resize text, and reach descriptions easily. Why treating captions as an after-thought is risky: - Member-state fines already reach tens of thousands of euros, and some countries treat repeat violations as criminal offenses. - Platforms can restrict or block non-compliant content inside the EU market. Why it is also smart business: - Around 60–70 % of Gen Z watch with captions by choice (sources: YouGov, Axios, YPulse). - A Verizon Media study found 80 % of viewers are more likely to finish a video if captions are included. - Captions add searchable text that boosts SEO and watch time. Fast two-step workflow we use: - Auto-generate captions in tools like Kapwing, Descript, or OpusClip, then review timing and accuracy. - Add speaker labels and sound cues (“[laughter]”, “[music]”) before exporting SRT or VTT files. Your next move: - Audit your public videos, embedded site players, and podcast feeds this week. The sooner you upgrade, the easier it is to avoid last-minute scrambles—and those fines.

Keeping in view the compliance of directions of Supreme Court in Pragya Prasun/Amar Jain and Ors. vs Union of India, to make the process of digital KYC accessible to persons with disabilities, especially facial / eye disfigurements due to acid attacks and visual impairments, today Reserve Bank of India issued a circular to all regulated entity to comply with the direction of Apex Court. The summery of direction of Apex Court are as follow:   1) Audit by certified professional: REs must mandatorily undergo periodical accessibility audit by certified accessibility professionals and involve persons with blindness in user acceptance testing phase while designing any app or website or any new feature being launched. 2) Alternative modes for verifying liveness: REs to adopt & incorporate alternative modes for verifying the “liveness” or capturing a “live photograph” of the customers, as per MD on KYC, 2016, for the purpose of conducting Digital KYC / e-KYC beyond the traditional “blinking of eyes”. 3) Use of video-based KYC process or the “V-CIP”: REs to adopt video-based KYC process or the “V-CIP” for customer onboarding as per MD on KYC, 2016, wherein blinking of the eyes is not a mandatory requirement. 4) Modification in KYC Form: KYC Form need to capture disability type and percentage of the customer appropriately, so as provide them accessible services. 5) Capturing of Thum impression: REs to accept image of thumb impression during Digital KYC process. 6) OTP Based e-KYC: Res to enhance the implementation of the ‘OTP based e-KYC authentication’ (face-to-face) to customers. 7) Take care for visually/hearing impaired users :Option for sign language interpretation, closed captions, and audio descriptions need to be provided. Further, alternative formats including Braille, easy-to-read formats, voice-enabled services to be provided. 8) BIS Certified device: REs should use devices or websites / applications / software in compliance of accessibility standards for ICT Products and Services as notified by Bureau of Indian Standards. 9) Using of CKYCR: REs to use Central KYC Registry for KYC purposes. 10) Grievance redressal: Establish a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism for persons with disabilities to report accessibility issues. 11) Manual review of rejected cases: Review of all rejected KYC in cases where accessibility-related challenges prevent successful verification by human. 12) Dedicated helpline: Helplines for persons with disabilities, offering step-by-step assistance in completing the KYC process through voice or video support. 13) Awareness/training/notices:  REs to make awareness/notices regarding alternative methods of conducting Digital KYC / e-KYC including disability awareness and training modules as part of e-learning modules for officials/staff for better sensitization. A copy of the circular/direction issued along with complete order of Supreme Court is attached herewith for information of all.

Myth: The European Accessibility Act provides a grace period until 2030 to comply. Fact: That grace period applies only to existing digital properties (websites, mobile apps, and electronic documents) that remain unchanged. The EAA enforcement deadline passed on June 28, 2025. From that date forward: ✅ New digital properties must already comply. ⚠️ Existing websites, apps, and documents can continue until 2030 only if they do not receive significant updates. ❓But the Act doesn’t clearly define what qualifies as a “significant update”—and in practice, it’s rare for any production site or app to go five years without some form of update. Bottom line: The 2030 date is not a free pass. Most websites and apps will require compliance well before then. Taking steps now ensures compliance and positions your organization as a leader in creating inclusive digital experiences. #A11y #Accessibility #InclusiveDesign #Leadership #BusinessStrategy

WCAG compliance ≠ legal safety in the EU My recent linkedin poll revealed something striking: even among accessibility professionals, there’s uncertainty about whether a WCAG 2.2 AA–compliant website can still face separate penalties in multiple EU countries. The short answer? Yes, in certain cases. National laws like France’s RGAA, Italy’s Legge Stanca, or Spain’s Royal Decree 1112/2018 can go beyond WCAG, adding requirements such as accessibility statements, feedback mechanisms, or specific technical criteria. This creates a fragmented enforcement landscape where multilingual websites risk multiple penalties if they don’t meet each country’s standards. In my new article for a11yblog.com, I break down:  ‧ What my poll revealed about industry awareness  ‧ How EU and national laws interact  ‧ The countries most likely to apply additional penalties  ‧ Steps to mitigate legal and accessibility risks Read the full analysis here: https://lnkd.in/e2cyQi5d #Accessibility #WebAccessibility #EuropeanAccessibilityAct #EAA #DigitalInclusion #A11y #WCAG #RGAA #UX #Compliance #LegalTech #UXDesign #EUlaw #MultilingualWeb #Inclusion

Accessibility is not a nice to have, it is a requirement! The European Accessibility Act is now in full effect as of today. That means accessibility is no longer optional for digital products and services that are provide across the EU. If you are in cybersecurity, this includes you. It does not matter if you are building the tool or buying it. If people depend on it, it needs to work for everyone. The EAA applies to websites, apps, authentication flows, customer portals, and digital services. That includes VPNs, password managers, security awareness platforms, and identity providers, and more. These tools are not just for tech teams. They are used by real people every day. If they are not accessible, they are not secure. This is not just about compliance. It is about reach. When your solution works for more people, it protects more people. Accessibility is how security scales. Security and accessibility should both be built in from the start. Not just added later. Not just offered to some users. Everyone means everyone. If you are not sure how the EAA applies to your systems, tools, or services, or if you want to move from compliance to competitive advantage, I can help. I have worked with organizations to turn accessibility into security that actually works for people. Let’s stop treating inclusion like an extra feature and build it into the foundation. #AccessibilityInCyberSecurity

Countdown to June 28, 2025: Is Your Business Ready for the European Accessibility Act (EAA)? Even if you're UK-only, don’t look away, while the EAA applies to the EU, UK businesses trading in the EU must comply. And the UK’s own accessibility laws (like the Equality Act 2010) demand action too. Accessibility isn’t optional. Ask yourself: ✅ Can users with disabilities fully interact with your website, apps, and PDFs? ✅ Are your procurement processes verifying the accessibility of third-party tools? ✅ Do your digital assets conform to WCAG 2.2 AA? 🔍 Tip: Start with a gap analysis, then audit your PDFs, forms, alt text, and keyboard navigation. Accessibility extends far beyond websites, it touches everything from e-commerce flows to digital kiosks. 📉 Fines, legal exposure, and lost tenders are real risks, but so is missing out on 135 M+ potential customers across the EU. Inclusion isn't just ethical, it’s commercially strategic. #EAA2025 #Accessibility #DigitalInclusion #UKTech #WebAccessibility [Image Description: A confident, smiling middle-aged man with grey hair and a beard stands with arms crossed, wearing a dark blue shirt, against a dark teal background. A bold yellow bar across the top reads: “Deadline 28 June 2025.” Across the bottom, a translucent grey overlay features the text: “Turn Accessibility Compliance Into a Business Advantage – Compliant websites not only meet legal standards but improve usability for every visitor.” Below this is a call to action: “dsayce.com/lets-talk” in yellow font.]

the European Accessibility act and how it impacts small businesses. You've read about the EAA and as a small business or freelancer might think that it doesn't apply to you. there's an exemption for small businesses. less than 10 employees and a sub 2mil revenue means you don't have to comply. Or do you? There's multiple reasons you should still be paying attention to the acts and it's likely smart to take action already! You might be a subcontractor in a project where accessibility is a requirement. That means you'll have to deliver to that standard as well. And what if you build something successful. that's already the dream rights? now your company grows past those exemption marks. guess what, you now instantly need to comply. also be mindful that the exemption for micro enterprises only applies to those delivering services. if you're dealing with projects that fall within the merit of the European accessibility act those still need to comply. the act also clearly states that small businesses should be encouraged to still try and comply with the accessibility requirements. not only because of the before mentioned growth making them subject to it but also because complying with the accessibility requirements actually gives them a better market position for said growth to happen. making a product or service accessible means more people can use it thus growing your market potential. so my advice would be: don't wait too long! start making your products, services, everything really, accessible today, step by step. #accessibility #toegankelijkheid #europe #legal #EuropeanAccessibilityAct #compliance

Are your in-app messages breaking the law? If you operate in the EU and they aren't fully accessible, the answer is likely "yes." Custom HTML in-app messages are now a major compliance risk. The European Accessibility Act (EAA) is no longer on the horizon. The June 28, 2025 deadline has passed, turning this from a future problem into a present-day liability. Many teams love the design flexibility of HTML for creating rich messages, surveys, and onboarding flows. But this creative freedom often results in experiences that fail basic accessibility checks for screen readers and keyboard navigation. The risk isn't just a poor UX that alienates the 1 in 4 EU citizens with a disability. It's significant fines, brand damage, and being blocked from the market. It's time for a critical audit. The linked article not only details the EAA requirements but also explains how tools with built-in compliance, like the accessibility support in Airship Scenes, are crucial for navigating this new landscape. Read it to understand your risk and protect your business. https://lnkd.in/eD6PqEXt #EuropeanAccessibilityAct #EAA #Accessibility #a11y #CX #CustomerExperience #MobileMarketing #Compliance #DigitalInclusion

On June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) officially comes into full force across the EU — and it marks a pivotal moment for disability inclusion worldwide. This legislation requires that products and services like websites, mobile apps, ATMs, e-books, and e-commerce platforms are accessible to people with disabilities. It’s about harmonizing standards across Europe, and more importantly, it’s about raising the baseline of dignity, independence, and opportunity. This isn’t just a legal obligation. It’s a leadership opportunity. ✅ Businesses: Review your digital platforms. Accessibility is good for everyone—and it opens the door to 87 million disabled consumers in the EU alone. ✅ Designers, developers, marketers: Center inclusive design from the start. You can’t retro-fit dignity. ✅ Leaders: Build teams that reflect the communities you serve. Include disabled voices in decision-making. The future isn’t inclusive by default — it’s inclusive by design. And the time to act is now. ♿️ Let’s use this moment not to tick a compliance box — but to rewrite the standard. 🟣 Accessibility is not a feature — it’s a fundamental right. #Accessibility #Inclusion #EuropeanAccessibilityAct #DisabilityRights #InclusiveDesign #DigitalInclusion #Leadership #DEI #UniversalDesign #EAA2025

So yes, you can pass WCAG AA and still fail to comply with the EAA’s digital product obligations... The EAA goes beyond the technical compliance: it requires products to work seamlessly with assistive technologies and be usable across the full customer lifecycle. Not just pass UI-level checks. It’s not just “can a screen reader access this screen?” It’s “can any user complete the full experience without needing adaptation or assistance?” EAA Compliance also requires organizational readiness: embedding accessibility into company culture and operations. Like we do for privacy and security. Also as pointed out by Piccia Neri in the comments, a small mistake in the article: it says "The EAA is a law". Just remember it's not. It's a European directive that is to be transposed as a law in each country. Big difference as each country will have different nuances in their own local law. WCAG vs EAA: Understanding where WCAG stops and where the EAA starts (8min) by Stark https://lnkd.in/eNJMrmbN