Remember GDPR? There’s a New Kid on the Block – EAA

Tiles with people with disabilities

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) took the business world by storm in 2018, revolutionizing the way companies handle data privacy. It was a wake-up call that shook organizations out of their complacency, forcing them to rethink how they collect, store, and manage personal data. Now, just as companies have started to get comfortable with GDPR, a new regulatory heavyweight is stepping into the ring – the European Accessibility Act (EAA).

What is the European Accessibility Act?

The European Accessibility Act is set to become the next major compliance challenge for businesses operating in the European Union. But unlike GDPR, which focused on data privacy, the EAA is all about inclusivity. Its goal? To ensure that products and services, from websites and apps to e-commerce platforms and banking services, are accessible to everyone – Including people with disabilities.

By 2025, the EAA will mandate that all digital products and services within its scope must meet specific accessibility standards. This means that businesses will need to make sure their offerings are usable by people with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments. Just as GDPR was a game-changer for data privacy, the EAA is set to be a game-changer for accessibility.

Why the EAA Matters: A Parallel to GDPR

Just as GDPR revolutionized the way companies handle data privacy, the EAA is poised to transform how businesses approach accessibility. GDPR forced organizations to rethink their data practices, placing a strong emphasis on user consent, data security, and transparency. Non-compliance led to significant fines and reputational damage, driving home the importance of taking regulatory requirements seriously.

The EAA carries similar weight. Non-compliance could result in fines, legal challenges, and lost business opportunities, particularly as consumers become increasingly aware of their rights under this new legislation. But beyond the potential risks, the EAA represents an opportunity – much like GDPR did – for companies to enhance their services and build stronger relationships with their customers.

The Scope of the EAA: What’s Covered?

The EAA is comprehensive in its scope, covering both physical products and digital services. Here’s a snapshot of what the EAA mandates:

  • Websites and Mobile Apps: All public and private sector websites, apps, and e-commerce platforms must be accessible to users with disabilities, adhering to WCAG to ensure content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.
  • Banking and Financial Services: ATMs, payment terminals, banking apps, and online services must be accessible, allowing users to manage their finances independently.
  • Telephony Services: Providers of telephony services must ensure that their systems are fully accessible, supporting features such as speech-to-text and voice commands for users with disabilities.
  • Transport and Travel: Ticketing machines, check-in terminals, online booking platforms, and travel information systems must ensure accessibility, enabling individuals to travel and navigate independently.
  • Consumer Electronics and ICT Products: Devices like smartphones, computers, and operating systems must incorporate accessibility features such as voice control, alternative inputs, and screen magnification.
  • Audio-Visual Media and TV Equipment: TV equipment and audiovisual media services must be designed to support accessibility features like captions, audio descriptions, and screen readers, ensuring inclusive entertainment for all.
  • E-books and Digital Content: Publishers must ensure e-books and digital content are accessible, including features like adjustable fonts and text-to-speech options for readers with disabilities.
  • Emergency Services: One particularly significant inclusion in the EAA is the requirement for the EU-wide 112 emergency number to be fully accessible for contact through a variety of methods, including text messaging, real-time text, and video relay services.

Exemptions and Special Cases
It is important to note that certain categories of content are exempt from the EAA. For example:

  • Pre-recorded time-based media (such as videos) and office file formats published before 28 June 2025 are not subject to the new accessibility requirements.
  • Online maps are only required to provide essential information in an accessible digital format, such as ensuring that key details (like public building locations) are available in a text-based alternative.
  • Archived websites and other forms of content that were not updated or edited after 28 June 2025 are also exempt, meaning they will not need to be retroactively made accessible.
  • Microenterprises providing services will be another exception. The EAA does not apply to businesses with fewer than 10 employees or annual turnover or balance sheet total under 2 million euros, as compliance costs could disproportionately burden these small enterprises.

For more comprehensive information, check out Directive 2019/882.

The Deadline is Approaching: Why Early Compliance is Crucial

While 2025 might seem far off, the reality is that achieving full compliance with the EAA’s requirements can be a complex and time-consuming process. Companies that start early will have a significant advantage, not only in avoiding legal risks but also in positioning themselves as leaders in accessibility.

Much like with GDPR, waiting until the last minute could lead to rushed implementations, higher costs, and potential pitfalls. Early adopters, on the other hand, can take a more strategic approach, integrating accessibility into their core operations, enhancing customer experience, and building brand loyalty.

Turning Compliance into Opportunity

The EAA should not be viewed merely as a regulatory burden. Instead, it represents an opportunity to improve inclusivity and expand your customer base. By making your products and services accessible, you’re not just meeting legal requirements – you’re opening your business to 100 million potential customers across the EU.

Think back to the early days of GDPR. Companies that proactively embraced data privacy not only avoided fines but also gained consumer trust, setting themselves apart as leaders in the market. The same potential exists with the EAA. Research shows that consumers with disabilities, and their families, represent a significant and often underserved market. By prioritizing accessibility, early adopters will not only comply with the law but also position themselves as champions of inclusivity, building stronger relationships with their customers.

Moreover, accessibility often leads to better user experience for everyone. Design features that assist people with disabilities, such as clearer navigation, better color contrast, and more intuitive interfaces, can improve the overall usability of your products and services.

Lessons from GDPR: Preparing for the EAA

The lessons learned from GDPR can serve as a valuable roadmap for EAA compliance. Here are a few key strategies:

  1. Start Early: Begin assessing your products and services now to identify potential accessibility issues. Conduct audits, seek expert advice, and develop a clear roadmap for compliance.
  2. Involve Stakeholders: Engage with people with disabilities during the design and testing phases. Their insights will be invaluable in creating accessible and user-friendly products.
  3. Train Your Team: Ensure that your team understands the importance of accessibility and is equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement inclusive practices.
  4. Leverage Technology: Invest in tools and technologies that can help automate and streamline the accessibility process, such as accessibility testing software and AI-driven solutions.
  5. Communicate Your Commitment: Make it clear to your customers and stakeholders that accessibility is a priority. Transparency in your efforts will build trust and demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity.

Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be integrated into every stage of product and service development. This means conducting accessibility audits, training staff on accessibility best practices, and incorporating accessibility into your design and development processes.

Conclusion: A New Era of Accessibility

The European Accessibility Act is more than just the latest regulatory hurdle for businesses to clear – It’s a transformative opportunity to make your products and services more inclusive, usable, and appealing to a broader audience. Just as GDPR reshaped the landscape of data privacy, the EAA is set to redefine accessibility standards across the EU.

By embracing the EAA and prioritizing accessibility now, companies can not only avoid legal risks but also enhance their customer experience, build brand loyalty, and position themselves as leaders in an increasingly inclusive market. The role of Access Drum in this whole picture is to help you make the transformation in a business wise way. Don’t postpone getting in touch! Remember, 2025 is just around the corner – so start your journey toward accessibility today.

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