A Complete Guide to Global Digital Accessibility Laws

Accessibility laws ensure that websites, apps, and other digital products work for people with disabilities by removing barriers and making digital services usable for all.

This article explains these digital accessibility laws in detail and shows how to test your website on real devices to ensure compliance.

What Are Digital Accessibility Laws?

Digital accessibility laws are legal requirements that ensure websites and digital services can be used by people with disabilities. These laws tell businesses, government agencies, and other organizations what they must do to make digital content usable for all.

Most digital accessibility laws refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the standard. These guidelines help make websites compatible with assistive technologies, provide clear focus indicators, and ensure accessible navigation.

Why Digital Accessibility Compliance Is Important

Accessibility compliance ensures that your website works for people with disabilities in real-world scenarios and helps your organization avoid legal and business risks. Here are some key reasons why digital accessibility compliance matters.

• Legal protection: Compliance helps you meet detailed obligations under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508, or EN 301 549, including technical audits, procurement standards, and reporting requirements.
• Inclusive customer journeys: Accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can not only access your site but also complete key actions, like making a purchase, submitting a form, or reading dynamic content. This supports true inclusion rather than just surface-level access.
• Stronger technical foundations: Implementing accessibility means using clean code, HTML semantics, ARIA labels, and meaningful identifiers. These practices improve maintainability, reduce technical debt, and enhance cross-device performance.
• Better search visibility: Search engines reward well-structured content that uses headings properly, provides alt text, and avoids hidden content traps. Accessibility and SEO overlap in these technical details, boosting your organic reach.
• Competitive advantage in procurement: Many large contracts, especially with governments or regulated industries, require accessibility compliance. Meeting these standards opens business opportunities that might otherwise be closed to you.

Global Digital Accessibility Laws

Different countries have their own digital accessibility laws. These laws explain who must follow them, what standards to use, and what happens if websites do not meet the rules.

United States

The United States has several laws that require digital accessibility. These laws apply to different types of organizations and require websites, apps, and digital services to meet technical standards that allow people with disabilities to use them. Failure to comply can lead to lawsuits, regulatory action, or loss of funding.

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

It applies to businesses, public organizations, and state and local governments. It requires digital services to work with assistive technologies, provide keyboard navigation, alt text, and support alternative input. Although WCAG is not named in the law, it is the standard that courts and regulators expect.

2. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

Applies to federal agencies and organizations that receive federal funding. It requires websites, documents, and software to meet WCAG standards so they work with assistive technologies. Agencies must publish accessibility statements and can lose funding or face audits for non-compliance.

3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

Section 504 applies to any program or activity that receives federal funding. It mandates that these programs provide people with disabilities equal access to all services, including websites, online tools, and digital content. Any digital service offered or funded through these programs must be accessible, or the organization risks losing federal support and facing legal challenges.

4. 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)

The CVAA applies to advanced communication services, such as VoIP, text messaging, video conferencing, and online video.

These services must be accessible to people with disabilities by providing features like captions for video content, audio descriptions, and accessible user interfaces. The law also covers devices and apps that offer these services, ensuring they work with assistive technologies.

5. Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

The ACAA applies to all airlines operating in the US or serving the US market. It requires airlines to make their digital services accessible to passengers with disabilities.

This includes booking websites, mobile apps, airport kiosks, check-in systems, and flight information tools. The law also ensures that passengers can independently access essential travel services without barriers.

European Union

The European Union sets digital accessibility rules through two main laws that apply across member states.

1. European Accessibility Act (EAA)

The EAA applies to private-sector businesses that provide key digital services in the EU. These include e-commerce platforms, banking apps, e-books, transport booking systems, and ATMs.

The law requires these services to meet accessibility standards, typically WCAG 2.1 Level AA, so they can be used with assistive technologies like screen readers and alternative input devices. Member states are responsible for enforcing these standards through national inspections and penalties.

2. EU Web Accessibility Directive

This directive applies to public-sector websites and mobile apps in EU member countries. It requires these organizations to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards and provide an accessibility statement explaining how their services meet the requirements.

It also requires a feedback mechanism so users can report accessibility issues, and it mandates that member states monitor compliance and publish reports.

Canada

Canada enforces digital accessibility through federal and provincial laws. These laws set out clear rules for different organizations and services, and non-compliance can lead to inspections, fines, or legal claims.

1. Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

The ACA applies to federally regulated organizations, such as government agencies, banks, and telecom providers. These organizations must identify and remove barriers in their digital services by meeting standards like WCAG 2.1. They must also create and update accessibility plans, report on progress, and provide ways for the public to give feedback on accessibility.

2. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

The AODA applies to both public and private organizations in Ontario. It requires websites and digital content to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards. The law sets deadlines for compliance, depending on the size and type of organization, and includes inspections and fines for those who fail to meet requirements.

United Kingdom

Digital accessibility requirements in the UK come from both anti-discrimination law and specific regulations for the public sector. The rules apply to businesses, service providers, and public bodies, and they cover websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms used for delivering services.

1. Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act applies to all businesses, public bodies, and service providers. It requires reasonable adjustments to ensure digital services are accessible to people with disabilities. While the law does not name WCAG, following WCAG standards is considered the best way to meet legal requirements and defend against discrimination claims.

2. Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018

This regulation applies to government departments, local councils, NHS services, and other public sector bodies. It mandates compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA and requires accessibility statements, regular reviews, and a way for users to report problems. Public bodies can face enforcement action from regulators if they fail to comply.

Australia

Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) makes it mandatory for businesses, government agencies, and service providers to offer digital services that people with disabilities can use without barriers.

Courts have confirmed that meeting WCAG standards is the accepted way to comply with this law. Organizations that fail to provide accessible websites, apps, or online tools can face legal complaints and orders to fix the issues.

India

India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) makes it mandatory for government bodies and private organizations to ensure that their websites and digital services are accessible to people with disabilities.

The law requires digital content to support screen readers, provide captions and alt text, and follow national guidelines that align with WCAG. Organizations that fail to comply can face legal action, penalties, or other measures under disability rights enforcement.

Israel

Israel’s Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law applies to private businesses and public bodies providing digital services to the public. It requires websites, apps, and other digital platforms to meet national accessibility standards based on WCAG.

This includes ensuring content works with screen readers, providing captions for video, using alt text for images, and designing interfaces that can be used with alternative input devices. Organizations that fail to comply can face civil lawsuits, financial penalties, and enforcement by regulators.

Norway

Norway’s Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act applies to both public-sector organizations and private businesses. It requires websites, apps, and other digital services to meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards so people with disabilities can use them without barriers.

Norway is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) but not the European Union. This means its accessibility law is separate from EU laws like the European Accessibility Act and the Web Accessibility Directive. However, Norway aligns its standards with EU rules to support cross-border digital services and trade.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s Human Rights Act applies to both public and private organizations. It requires digital services to provide equal access for people with disabilities. Public sector websites must follow the Government Web Accessibility Standard based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

This means the digital services must work with screen readers, support keyboard navigation, and provide text alternatives and captions. If private organizations fail to meet accessibility requirements, users can file complaints through the Human Rights Commission, leading to investigations and binding recommendations.

Japan

Japan’s Act for Eliminating Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities applies to government agencies and private businesses that offer public services. It requires digital services to remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from using websites, apps, and online platforms.

Government websites must follow JIS X 8341-3, a standard based on WCAG 2.0 Level AA, which covers requirements like alt text for images, captions for video, screen reader support, and keyboard accessibility.

South Korea

South Korea’s Act on the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities requires both public sector bodies and private companies offering essential services, such as education, healthcare, transport, and finance, to provide accessible digital services.

The law mandates that websites, apps, and digital platforms meet national standards based on WCAG 2.1 Level AA. This includes supporting screen readers, providing captions for multimedia, ensuring keyboard navigation, and designing forms and interfaces that work with alternative input devices.

WCAG: The Global Accessibility Standard

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define how websites and digital services should be designed and developed so people with disabilities can use them. Most national laws and regulations, including those in the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia, either require or reference WCAG as the benchmark for accessibility compliance.

WCAG is organized into levels and principles:

1. Levels: WCAG includes Level A (basic requirements), Level AA (widely expected standard under most laws), and Level AAA (highest level, usually optional).

2. Principles: The guidelines are built around four key principles. Digital content must be:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presentable in ways users can perceive (for example, text alternatives for images, captions for audio).
• Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact with the interface (for example, keyboard accessibility and enough time to complete tasks).
• Understandable: Information and operations must be clear and predictable (for example, consistent navigation and readable text).
• Robust: Content must be compatible with current assistive technologies and designed to remain accessible as browsers, devices, and accessibility tools evolve.

Meeting WCAG means providing features like:

• Alt text for images
• Captions for video
• Keyboard navigation
• Logical heading structure
• Sufficient color contrast
• Clear focus indicators
• Forms with proper labels

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failing to meet digital accessibility requirements can result in legal action, financial penalties, mandatory remediation, and damage to reputation. The exact consequences depend on the country and the applicable law. Below are examples from key regions:

• United States: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Department of Justice can impose civil penalties of up to $75,000 for a first violation and up to $150,000 for subsequent violations. In addition to these fines, organizations often face legal costs, remediation expenses, and settlements, which vary widely depending on the case.
• European Union: The Web Accessibility Directive and European Accessibility Act are enforced at the national level, and the fines vary by country. For example, Germany can impose penalties of up to €50,000 and France up to €25,000 for failing to meet accessibility requirements.
• United Kingdom: The Equality and Human Rights Commission can take legal action against organizations that fail to comply. Courts can order organizations to compensate individuals who have faced discrimination.
• Australia: The Disability Discrimination Act does not set fixed fines, but complaints can result in legal settlements or orders for remediation. Settlements have often been reported in the range of AUD 10,000–AUD 20,000, plus the cost of accessibility fixes.
• Canada: Under the Accessible Canada Act, organizations can face administrative monetary penalties of up to CAD 250,000 per violation.
• India: The RPwD Act allows fines of up to ₹5 lakh (about USD 6,000) for accessibility violations.

In addition to financial penalties, organizations may also face:

• Court orders to make digital content accessible within a specified time
• Public disclosure of non-compliance, which can harm reputation
• Exclusion from government tenders or contracts until accessibility issues are resolved
• Increased risk of lawsuits from affected individuals or advocacy groups

How to Ensure Compliance with Digital Accessibility Laws

This section focuses on WCAG 2.1 Level AA, as it is the standard referenced by most digital accessibility laws worldwide.

• Implement accessibility at the design stage: Design layouts and components to meet key criteria such as sufficient color contrast, clear focus indicators, flexible text sizing, and logical heading structures. Ensure that all interactive elements can be operated using a keyboard alone.
• Develop using semantic, standards-compliant code: Use proper HTML elements, labels, and ARIA attributes so assistive technologies can interpret the content correctly. Avoid practices like using divs or spans for buttons and links.
• Test with assistive technologies during development: Use screen readers (such as NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver), keyboard-only navigation, and screen magnifiers to check that the website is usable by people with different disabilities.

• Perform both automated and manual accessibility testing: Automated tools can catch issues like missing alt text, low color contrast, or incorrect heading levels. Manual testing is essential for verifying logical reading order, descriptive link text, accessible form instructions, and focus management.
• Write and publish an accessibility statement: In the EU, UK, and other regions, public sector websites must provide an accessibility statement detailing compliance level and any known issues.
• Maintain accessibility over time: Re-test your website regularly, especially after updates or redesigns, to confirm that accessibility is preserved as content and functionality change.

How BrowserStack Helps Ensure Digital Accessibility

BrowserStack provides a cloud-based platform that lets you test your website’s accessibility on more than 3,500 real devices and browsers. It helps organizations meet the requirements of major digital accessibility laws and standards, including ADA, WCAG 2.1 AA, Section 508, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), the Accessible Canada Act, and VPAT documentation needs.

Here are the key features of BrowserStack Accessibility Testing.

• Real Device Cloud: Test accessibility on 3,500+ real smartphones, tablets, and desktop browsers to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies across environments.
• Workflow Analyzer: Run automated accessibility checks during manual and automated browser sessions to detect issues like missing alt text, poor color contrast, missing labels, and ARIA errors.
• Automated accessibility testing: Integrate accessibility checks into your build pipeline to trigger accessibility scans with every build.
• Screen reader testing: Verify how your site works with native screen readers on real Android and iOS devices, such as TalkBack and VoiceOver.
• Support for keyboard-only navigation checks: Test that all content and features are accessible without a mouse for users who rely on keyboards or assistive technologies.
• Live debugging and issue inspection: Inspect, debug, and fix accessibility issues directly during test sessions on real devices using built-in developer tools.

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Conclusion

Digital accessibility laws define the technical and legal requirements that websites must meet to ensure equal access for people with disabilities. They specify standards such as WCAG 2.1 Level AA, and non-compliance can result in fines, legal action, and loss of business opportunities.

BrowserStack helps you achieve compliance by letting you test on more than 3,500 real devices and browsers. Its built-in accessibility testing tools help you detect and fix issues, confirm compatibility with assistive technologies, and meet the requirements of digital accessibility laws like ADA, Section 508, EAA, and others.

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