Accessibility requirements from 2025: What website operators need to know now

The Accessibility Act (BaFG) will come into force on June 28, 2025, requiring many companies to design their digital products and services to be accessible. This affects many companies that operate an online presence – i.e., operators of websites, online shops, or web applications.

The Federal Disability Equality Act (the BGStG prohibits discrimination and requires accessibility for people with disabilities – including online) already applies – and this affects virtually every website.

For website operators, this means in concrete terms: have your website checked for accessibility now—it should at least be accessible to a high degree. Violations can result not only in complaints or lawsuits, but also in fines of up to €80,000.

What does web accessibility actually mean?

A website is accessible when it can be used by everyone, regardless of disability or limitations. Examples:

• Users with visual impairments can access content via screen readers.
• Colors are sufficiently contrasting
• All functions can be operated using the keyboard.
• Forms are clearly labeled
• Content is structured in an understandable way

The technical basis for this is provided by the WCAG 2.0 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standard.

Key Facts for website operators

✅ Who is affected?

• All companies that operate websites, online shops, apps, or other digital services
• Existing websites must also be reviewed and adapted if necessary.
• Micro-enterprises (fewer than 10 employees and less than €2 million in turnover) are exempt from the BaFG – but not from the BGStG, which already applies and prohibits discrimination.
  Even micro-enterprises can be prosecuted for having a website that is not accessible.

🛑 Who is (theoretically) not affected?

• Private websites without commercial intent
• Micro-enterprises according to the definition – but beware: this does not protect against complaints or claims for damages under the BGStG.

📅 When does what apply?

• BGStG: Already in effect – accessibility can be demanded!
• BaFG: Mandatory for new digital products from June 28, 2025
• There is NO transition period for websites, online shops, and apps.
• For other digital products: up to 5 years transition period

⚖️ What happens in the event of a violation?

• Appeals may be lodged with the conciliation board of the Ministry of Social Affairs.
• Claim for damages if no agreement is reached
• Fines of up to €80,000 – depending on the size of the company and the severity of the violation.

💡 What are "other digital products" with a transition period?

Not all digital offerings must be immediately accessible from June 2025. For some products, a transition period of up to five years applies—this mainly affects physical devices with digital interfaces or certain software solutions.

Examples:

• ATMs, ticket machines, check-in terminals
• E-book reader (e.g., Kindle)
• Order and self-service kiosks in retail or catering
• Banking apps, booking software, digital payment systems
• Messenger, email services, video telephony
• Operating systems in connection with consumer goods

Important:
There is no transition period for websites, online shops, and apps—these must be accessible by June 28, 2025.

What is "reasonable"?

The BGStG provides for a "reasonableness test" – in other words, accessibility does not have to be implemented at any cost.

However, companies must be able to prove that technical, economic, or organizational reasons would make implementation disproportionately difficult.

Nevertheless, anyone who invokes "unreasonableness" needs good arguments—and should at least avoid significant barriers.

Declaration of reasonableness & arbitration (PDF, WKO)

🏛️ Arbitration board for accessibility issues

Anyone who feels discriminated against due to a lack of accessibility can apply for free mediation at the Social Ministry Service – even without a lawyer.

The aim is to reach an out-of-court settlement between the person concerned and the company. Only if this fails can legal action be taken.

More information and details about the application

Our recommendation for existing customers

If you already have a website from us or are working with us on a project, now is the ideal time for an accessibility check. We strive for the highest possible level of accessibility in all our projects – but depending on the age and scope of the website, a targeted WCAG audit may be advisable.

We can help you with this:

• Check content for barriers
• Evaluate technical implementation
• Suggest improvements
• Optional: External audit by a certified partner
• Optional: Zertifizierung mit WACA (Web Accessibility Certificate Austria)

Conclusion: Acting now saves costs and stress later on.

Accessibility will be required by law starting in 2025 – but it already offers many advantages today:

• Reach more users
• Better Usability
• Improved SEO
• future-proofing
• Legal protection

Not sure if your website is affected? Or would you like to know where you stand?

Get in touch with us – we will be happy to advise you individually!