How is the European Accessibility Act going to impact your company?
On June 28, 2025, a new law will take effect requiring many businesses in Sweden and across the EU to ensure their websites and mobile apps are accessible. Modeled after the European Accessibility Act (EAA), this 2025 Accessibility law extends accessibility requirements to digital service providers in the private sector.
Previously, such regulations mainly applied to the public sector, but now, businesses in the following industries will also need to comply:
- E-commerce
- Banking and financial services
- Transport services
- E-books and digital publishing
- Digital communication services
What does the 2025 Accessibility law for websites and mobile apps mean?
Everyone, including those with disabilities, should be able to access digital services thanks to the new law. The following are essential requirements:
1. Sites Need to Be Simple to Use and Understand
- All images must have descriptive alt text for screen readers.
- Videos must include subtitles to support users with hearing impairments.
- Forms, buttons, and menus must be clear and easy to use.
2. Accessible colors and contrast
- Text must have sufficient contrast against the background for readability.
- Important information cannot be conveyed through color alone—it must also include text or symbols.
3. Applications and websites must function without a mouse
- Navigation should be possible using only a keyboard or assistive technologies.
- Interactive elements like pop-ups and drop-down menus must be accessible to all users.
Due to growing consumer expectations for easily accessible digital services, noncompliance with these requirements may result in fines, legal repercussions, and missed business opportunities.
How to get your company ready for 2025
Adapting your website for accessibility involves both technical and design changes. Here are three key steps to take today:
1. Conduct an accessibility audit
Determine whether your website satisfies legal requirements or if it needs to be improved.
2. Analyze the design and technical elements
Make your website more accessible to a larger audience by modifying its interactive features, colors, contrasts, and navigation.
3. Examine and improve your website
Use user testing and digital tools to identify and fix any potential issues before the law is put into effect.
Paapaya Can Help You Make Your Website Compliant
Our specialty at Paapaya is creating cutting-edge, fully accessible, and user-friendly websites that adhere to the new rules. We help companies with:
- Accessibility audits and issue identification
- Implementation of necessary technical and design solutions
- Testing and optimization to ensure full compliance
For a free site evaluation, contact us at Paapaya.io or hola@paapaya.io today
