Important accessibility standards for websites from 2025

New Accessibility Standards in 2025: Requirements and Implications for Website Drivers

From June 2025, new accessibility standards will come into force in the EU to make digital content accessible to everyone. These measures are part of the European Accessibility Directive (EAA) and will affect many websites and digital products. Website operators need to ensure that their sites comply with the new requirements in order to avoid sanctions and prevent their sites from being shut down. These regulations particularly affect public websites, online shops, financial service providers, transport services and media sites. Small businesses are also encouraged to implement accessibility. The new standards will not only ensure legal compliance, but will also improve the user experience for everyone and increase the reach of websites.

Important accessibility goals

1. Perceptibility:
• Alternative text for images: All images must be provided with alternative text so that they can be read by screen readers.
• Captions and transcriptions for videos: Videos must provide captions and audio files must provide transcriptions to be accessible to hearing impaired users.
2. Operability:
• Keyboard Navigation: All site functions and content must be fully navigable by keyboard without the use of a mouse.
• Adjustable contrast and font size: Users need to be able to adjust contrast and font size to make content easier to read.
3. Understandability:
• Simple and clear language: Website content should be written in simple and understandable language to be accessible to all users.
• Clear structure and navigation: The site must be logically structured and easy to navigate so that users can quickly find what they are looking for.
4. Robustness:
• Assistive technology compatibility: Web sites must be compatible with a variety of browsers and assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to ensure accessibility for all users.

Figure 1: From June 2025, websites in the EU will have to meet strict accessibility standards to ensure they are accessible to all users

Which sites need to comply with the new rules?

Several types of websites will be affected by the new standards. These include all public sector and government websites, which will need to comply with the new rules. Online shops and sales platforms that offer their products in the EU are also affected. Websites of banks and financial service providers offering online banking services will also need to comply with the new standards. Websites for ticket reservations, travel information and other transportation services will also be affected. Finally, TV and radio broadcasters and streaming services will also need to comply with the new accessibility standards.

Small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenues of less than $2 million are partially exempt from the most stringent requirements. They are still encouraged to implement accessibility.

In addition to the EU, other regions of the world have similar requirements. In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires websites to be accessible. In Australia, the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) requires public websites to be accessible.

Implementation and Monitoring

Enforcement of the new regulations in the EU will be overseen by the respective member states, which will also impose sanctions for non-compliance. Web site operators should therefore begin implementing accessibility standards early and ensure that their content and features comply with the new requirements.

The new accessibility standards ensure that digital content is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Implementing these measures will not only ensure legal compliance, but will also expand the user base and improve the user experience for everyone. Web site operators should familiarize themselves with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and incorporate accessibility into their development process.