A Guide to the Main Regulations on Digital Accessibility: The Role of the EAA

Digital Accessibility 2025: Find out what the European Accessibility Act provides and how to adapt websites, apps, and services to the new EU regulations.

Introduction

In the modern world, digital technology should be a tool for inclusion, not exclusion. For people with disabilities, digital accessibility is a right, not an option. From this perspective, regulations and laws like the European Accessibility Act (EAA) are playing a crucial role. In this article, we explore what the EAA provides, how it fits into Italian law, the relevant technical standards, the stakeholders involved, the deadlines, and how to ensure compliance and inclusivity.

What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?

• It is a European directive: Directive (EU) 2019/882 , which came into force to regulate common minimum accessibility requirements for digital products and services throughout the European Union.

• The objective is to ensure that people with disabilities can access the same digital products and services as those without disabilities, on an equal basis. This European regulatory framework also aims to standardize rules across Member States, reducing national disparities and promoting a more inclusive and competitive internal market.

• Entry into force: June 28, 2025. From that date, obligated parties must comply with the required requirements.

Scope of application: what, who and when

What it concerns (products/services placed on the market or supplied to consumers after 28 June 2025):

• Websites and mobile applications (apps)

• E-commerce, online stores and digital platforms

• Hardware and software devices with user interfaces (e.g. self-service terminals, ATMs, automatic ticket machines)

• E-books, electronic documents, dedicated software, assistive technologies (such as screen readers)

• Services such as digital banking, electronic communication services, passenger transport, audiovisual media, etc.

Who must comply:

• Economic operators and service providers placing digital products or services on the EU market.

• Private companies offering relevant digital services, as well as public administrations.

• Some categories provide for exemptions, such as microenterprises or in cases where compliance would entail a disproportionate burden, but these exemptions must be justifiable and well-documented.

When: deadlines and phases

• From 28 June 2025, general compliance obligation for new products and services or “significantly” updated versions.

• There are specific deadlines for existing products/services; in some cases, the legislation requires adjustments even for previous versions if they are subject to substantial updates.

Related Italian regulations

Italy already has several laws/regulations that derive from the EAA or integrate it:

• Legislative Decree 27 May 2022, n. 82 (“Digital Administration Code”) which implements Directive 2019/882 (EAA).

• AgID guidelines are currently being consulted to establish technical criteria for making digital services accessible, as required by the decree implementing the EAA.

• Stanca Law (Law 4/2004), which has long required public administrations to adopt accessibility measures for websites and mobile applications. Technically, it is based on WCAG (now updated to the latest standards).

Technical reference standards

To concretely interpret what “accessible” means, the EAA relies on already consolidated standards:

• WCAG 2.1 / WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) — conformance levels (typically Level AA ) that define criteria such as alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, color contrast, compatibility with assistive technologies, etc.

• EN 301 549 — the European standard that specifies accessibility requirements for ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) products and services. This standard incorporates or aligns with the WCAG.

Main innovations introduced by the EAA

• The extension of the accessibility requirement to the private sector , not just to public administrations.

• The obligation not only for textual content but for every digital user interface, interactive hardware/software.

• New obligations for physical devices and products with digital interfaces (ATMs, self-service terminals, e-readers, interactive devices) and also for applications that were often not covered in the past.

• Greater national responsibility and oversight: In Italy, AGID is the authority responsible for overseeing compliance with accessibility requirements for digital services.

Advantages and risks

Advantages :

• Greater inclusivity: People with disabilities can use digital services independently.

• Better overall user experience: An accessible website/app is often more usable by everyone, not just those with disabilities.

• Positive reputation: compliance with regulations, brand recognition as inclusive.

• Reduced legal risk: Compliance avoids fines, appeals, and privacy/usability issues.

Risks of not complying :

• Administrative sanctions, forced compliance requests.

• Possible legal action by users or associations.

• Reputational damage: perceived exclusion, loss of customers, public criticism.

Practical guidelines for those who must comply

Here's a possible operational path for companies, institutions, and organizations that want to comply:

1. Initial analysis – Assess the current status: accessibility audit of websites, apps, software, and digital documents. – Identify critical points: lack of text alternatives, difficulty navigating with a keyboard, contrast issues, screen reader compatibility, etc.

2. Internal training – Involve developers, UX/UI designers, content creators, and legal representatives. – Training on WCAG principles, accessibility criteria, and best practices.

3. Adoption of technical standards – Ensure that all digital materials comply with WCAG (at least level AA) and that, for products/software, reference is made to EN 301 549. – Apply the principle of “accessibility by design”: think about accessibility right from the design phase.

4. Accessibility Documentation and Statement – Draft an accessibility statement explaining what is compliant, what is not, and any existing limitations. – Provide information on who to contact to report issues.

5. Continuous monitoring and updates – Periodic checks: automated testing + manual testing with users with disabilities. – Software updates, adjustments for significant changes. – Review of internal policies: such as content management, UX, and design.

6. Stakeholder engagement – Engage with disability associations for real feedback. – Transparency towards users: explain what has been done, what limitations remain, and how to report problems.

Conclusions

The EAA marks an important step toward a more just and inclusive digital world. It's not just a regulation to be complied with, but an opportunity to rethink technology in a more humane way, to innovate with care, and to build services that truly work for everyone. Those who act promptly not only avoid problems but can also derive value: competitiveness, user trust, and reputation.

 

Institutional and regulatory links

1. Directive (EU) 2019/882 – European Accessibility Act Official text of the European directive establishing accessibility requirements for products and services. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/882/oj/eng EUR-Lex

2. European Commission – European Accessibility Act Official overview of the EAA, its purpose, scope, and benefits. https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/disability/union-equality-strategy-rights-persons-disabilities-2021-2030/european-accessibility-act_en European Commission

3. AgID – PA Accessibility Guidelines Guidelines for making Public Administration websites and mobile applications accessible, with recommendations and updates. https://www.agid.gov.it/it/design-servizi/accessibilita/linee-guida-accessibilita-pa Agency for Digital Italy

4. AgID – Areas of intervention: Accessibility and usability Provides information on accessibility declarations, feedback mechanisms, and obligations for the PA. https://www.agid.gov.it/it/ambiti-intervento/accessibilita-usabilita Agency for Digital Italy

5. AgID – Guidelines under consultation The guidelines currently under consultation for the accessibility of digital services (implementation of Legislative Decree 82/2022). https://www.agid.gov.it/it/linee-guida Agency for Digital Italy and the news with an invitation to participate: https://www.agid.gov.it/it/notizie/eaa-consultazione-linee-guida-agid-accessibilita-dei-servizi Agency for Digital Italy

6. Docs Italia / IT Tools Guidelines Stable version of the accessibility guidelines for IT tools (hardware, software, web, documents, mobile apps). https://docs.italia.it/AgID/documenti-in-consultazione/lg-accessibilita-docs/it/stabile/ Docs Italia

7. AccessiWeb – Web Accessibility Regulations and Guidelines in Italy: A collection of references, regulatory history, and awareness-raising efforts in Italy. https://www.accessiweb.it/articoli/normative-e-linee-guida-dellersquoaccessibilita-web/ accessiweb.it

CTA

Digital accessibility concerns everyone. Share this article to spread the culture of online inclusion. Together, we can make the web more accessible for everyone.

Want to learn more about EAA and digital inclusion? Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on regulations, tools, and best practices.

NOTE: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.

The regulations cited may be subject to changes or interpretations by the competent authorities.