Digital Accessibility Guide: everything you need to know
Digital accessibility has become a central issue for every company that offers services or content online. Since June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act has been in force, and businesses that offer the services covered by the law online (e-commerce first and foremost) are legally required to make their websites, apps and digital documents accessible.
In this guide you will learn who is subject to the requirement, which tools and content must be made accessible, what compliance actually involves, what the risks of non-compliance are, and how to prepare effectively. An essential read for business owners, digital managers and consultants who want to avoid penalties and turn accessibility into a strategic lever for their business.
Introduction to the law
Since June 28, 2025, the European Accessibility Act (EU Directive 2019/882, transposed into Italian law by Legislative Decree 82/2022, D.Lgs. 82/2022) has been in force. It is a European law that sets specific digital accessibility requirements for a wide range of products and services. Its main goal is to ensure that all citizens, including people with disabilities, can access digital content fairly and effectively.
The directive is part of the European Union’s strategy to create a more inclusive digital single market, with benefits both for end users and for the companies that offer digital services. In Italy, as in the other member states, the businesses concerned must comply in order to avoid penalties and stay competitive in an environment increasingly focused on social responsibility.
Who does the digital accessibility requirement apply to?
The requirement does not depend on company size but on the type of service: it applies to companies that offer consumers the services covered by Legislative Decree 82/2022, namely e-commerce, banking services, passenger transport, electronic communications, e-books and access to audiovisual services. Microenterprises that provide services are exempt, meaning those that have both:
- fewer than 10 employees; and
- annual revenue or a total balance sheet of no more than €2 million.
Whether a company is public or private does not matter: the service is what counts. A brochure website that presents a company without selling online, for example, is not covered by the decree, although making it accessible is still a worthwhile choice for users and for SEO.
This means that many Italian small businesses that sell online need to review their infrastructure to ensure that their websites, applications and digital documents are accessible according to European standards.
Which digital products and services must be accessible?
The digital accessibility directive applies to a wide range of tools and services, including:
- E-commerce websites and platforms, meaning any website that sells products or services online to consumers;
- Mobile applications (apps) linked to the services covered by the decree;
- Digital information and documents about the services offered, such as contract terms and PDF instructions;
- Online banking and financial services, such as home banking, payment apps or financial management systems;
- Self-service terminals such as ticket machines, information kiosks and digital vending machines;
- E-books, passenger transport services (tickets, timetables, apps) and access to audiovisual services.
Every digital product or service covered by the law must be designed or updated to meet clearly defined accessibility requirements, in order to prevent discrimination and digital barriers.
What does it mean to make digital content accessible?
Digital accessibility means that a website, app or document can be used by people with disabilities too, whether sensory, motor, cognitive or visual. In practical terms, accessible content must:
- Be navigable without a mouse, for example with the keyboard;
- Have a clear, consistent structure that screen readers can easily interpret;
- Provide alternative text for images and sufficient visual contrast;
- Avoid overly complex visual elements that could hinder understanding or navigation;
- Use plain language and a well-ordered hierarchical structure.
The law refers to the WCAG 2.1 guidelines (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), at least at level AA, which are today the international standard for web accessibility.
What are the consequences of not complying?
Failing to meet the obligations set out in the digital accessibility directive carries real risks and penalties. The supervisory authorities (AgID for digital services) can carry out inspections, including in response to reports, and require non-compliant tools to be brought up to standard. When the requirements are violated, fines of €5,000 to €40,000 apply, depending on the severity of the non-compliance and the number of users affected, plus €2,500 to €30,000 for anyone who fails to respond to the authority’s requests.
Beyond the legal consequences, there is reputational damage to consider: an inaccessible website can come across as a sign of carelessness or a lack of attention to users’ needs. And failing to comply means shutting out millions of potential users, which reduces your business opportunities.
How can companies prepare?
The first step is to carry out an assessment of the current accessibility of your website, apps and digital documentation. Based on that analysis, it is a good idea to define a gradual action plan that lets you work on:
- The source code and HTML structure of your websites;
- The visual styles and layouts of your interfaces;
- How text and multimedia content is created and published;
- Any CMS platforms or third-party systems you use.
Relying on professionals experienced in accessibility, UX design and web development lets you take targeted, effective action, avoiding makeshift solutions and keeping costs under control.
Note: digital accessibility can be a strategic lever
Complying with the European Accessibility Act is not just a legal obligation; it is also an important strategic opportunity. An accessible website is often also more usable, faster and better ranked on search engines. Accessibility improves the user experience, promotes inclusion and signals a commitment to ethical and social values.
Investing in accessibility today means building a stronger, more sustainable and future-ready digital presence.
Want to know whether your company is subject to the requirement?
We analyze your website’s home page for free and tell you whether there are serious accessibility issues and whether the European Accessibility Act applies to you. Report by email within 1 business hour.
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2 Comments. New comment
Salve, il costo di tale operazione a quanto ammonta?
Salve Stefano, il costo dell’operazione di adeguamento è difficile da stimare senza prima aver analizzato il sito web attuale. La invitiamo a contattarci così da approfondire l’argomento ed inviarle un preventivo coerente, senza impegno.