The European Accessibility Act

SEO is always changing, developing and growing. Whether that is new rules and regulations from Google, updates to SERPs or when impacted communities demand change.

This is an update you’ll want and need to be aware of. We’re talking about a new law that will impact the way you display, update and build features on your website. After our visit to a HIVE MCR event, we had the opportunity to hear this news from SEO enthusiast Billie Geena Hyde, with an informative and insightful presentation on educating industries about accessibility with SEO.

The European Accessibility Act will be coming into effect in June 2025. What will this mean? Even though this is a European only law, if you’re based outside of an EU member country and operate business within the EU, you will still be affected.

What is the Accessibility Act for?

Having this new law in place will ensure equal and fair access to any digital product for all web users, but most importantly those with disabilities within the European Union. Around 15% of the world’s population, or approximately 1 billion people, live with disabilities.

What technology and services will be affected?

• Computers and operating systems
• Smartphones
• TV equipment and related broadcasting services
• Transport services
• Banking
• E-books
• E-commerce
• ATMs (cash machines), ticketing and check-in machines
• Hospitality services

It is essential that several different components of web development and interaction work together in order for the web to be accessible to people with disabilities. This includes contents (information in a web page or web application), web browsers, media players, and assistive technology (e.g. screen readers, alternative keyboards, scanning software, etc.).

The European Union Impact Assessment Report on the issue reads, “Whether in the transport, hospitality, banking or retail service, offering accessible services online to individuals with disabilities requires web-accessibility, i.e. websites have to be accessible to all people, no matter whether they have disabilities or not.”

What are the consequences of having an inaccessible website?

If found that you are not abiding by the Act put in place after the June 2025 deadline, there can be fines up to €1,000,000 (depending on the severity and context) along with immediate action to resolve the issue. Failure to do so could result in products/services being removed from EU markets. 

Important accessibility features that you will need to implement ahead of the new law:

Navigation functions: Ensure your website is fully functional for navigation using only keyboard shortcuts.

Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Make sure that your website doesn’t have flashing elements. A web page needs to be viewable and able to navigate on 200% zoom. This includes ensuring that text is visible and not cropped when zoom is up to 200%.

Links: Text links will need to be coloured blue and underlined, ensuring they stand out and can be easily recognised as clickable links.

Buttons: The tap target on website buttons will need to be 48 x 48 px to give the ability of easier touch points, specifically on touch screen devices.

A study conducted by the European Union, where the public prioritised accessibility needs by grouped services shows that the most important sectors that need to be accessible are: 

How will the Accessibility Act benefit your business?

There are many benefits that come along with this new law, the most notable being that you won't be penalised if you implement the changes! Now that the most important and arguably the most serious impact has been covered, what else will this new law bring to your business? Well, advancing accessibility for internet users means a higher and wider reach of users overall. This would then result in an increase in awareness and website visits as you are opening yourself up to a whole new audience of those who need accessible technology. As a result of all of these increases, you’re left with a hopeful increase in revenue! This depends on what you are selling in terms of a product or service, however, this can result in conversions, website events or revenue.

If you need help navigating these new waters then we’re here to help! Our experts in the industry are always up to date with the latest news and changes. To stay informed on industry news, sign up for our newsletter, follow our socials or check back for regular blogs!