Accessibility rules for Websites

We advised one of our corporate clients on the legal framework regarding accessibility rules for public websites[1]. Web accessibility or eAccessibility is a matter that presents economic, social, ethical, and political implications, due to the demographic shift of the European population aged over 60, expected to rise from 15% to 30 % by 2030. The meaning of implementing accessibility rules for public websites is to facilitate access of people with disabilities to online products and services.

In this regard, the European Union (EU) issued Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on the accessibility of the websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies, which aims to standardize accessibility laws across EU member states by establishing mandatory minimum requirements for accessible websites and mobile apps within the public sector of the EU. This Directive has been incorporated into Greek Law, under law 4591/2019, and then substituted by Law 4727/2020 on Digital Governance (article 108 abolished articles 1 to 13 of law 4591/2019, and chapter H’ (articles 36 to 47) transposed EU Directive 2016/2102). Furthermore, another directive on the accessibility requirements on products and services, known as Directive (EU) 2019/882 of the European Parliament and of the Council was signed on April 17, 2019, which introduces accessibility requirements to some parts of the private sector and will require EU member states to adopt them into law, by June 28, 2022.

We are constantly monitoring the evolution of the relative legislation and if need be, we will identify and inform you in time about the amendments and further improvements to be incorporated on your corporate website.

[1] eAccessibility, is defined as the inclusive practice of ensuring there are no barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, websites on the World Wide Web by people with physical disabilities, situational disabilities, and socio-economic restrictions on bandwidth and speed. Further, a public website is defined as a location on the World Wide Web that is accessible by anyone with a Web browser and access to the Internet.