International Accessibility Law Repository

Web accessibility laws are more than just compliance; they help make the digital world accessible to everyone.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities(opens in a new tab) (CRPD) serves as a global framework, guiding countries to remove barriers and promote inclusion for people with disabilities. Today, more than 30 countries have passed laws referencing the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(opens in a new tab) (WCAG) to help organizations achieve inclusivity.

While by no means comprehensive, this blog provides an overview of international accessibility laws, highlighting how countries worldwide are promoting digital inclusion and offering guidance on solutions to help organizations achieve compliance

Let’s get started.

Understanding WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

To fully understand international web accessibility laws, you must understand WCAG. 

WCAG is an internationally recognized standard developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that provides guidance for making websites and digital content accessible to people with disabilities.

The WCAG follows the POUR framework:

• Perceivable: Content must be visible to all senses.

• Operable: Content should be fully interactive, no barriers.

• Understandable: Content should include clear language and avoid jargon.

• Robust: Content should work across assistive technology, including screen readers.

Within each version of the WCAG, there are three conformance levels: 

• Level A: Minimum requirements

• Level AA: Standard level required by most accessibility laws

• Level AAA: Highest level of inclusion

With this in mind, let’s explore how international accessibility laws are utilizing WCAG in their jurisdictions.

The United Nations Accessibility Rights

The United Nations has established a global framework to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure equal access to information, services, and public life, which all extend to digital spaces in some form.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Adopted by the United Nations in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights(opens in a new tab) establishes a global framework for protecting fundamental human rights and freedoms. 

The declaration’s 30 articles(opens in a new tab) affirm that all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights and are entitled to these rights without discrimination based on factors such as race, language, religion, or status.

Several UDHR provisions support the principle of accessible information and services: 

• Article 19 affirms the right to seek, receive, and share information

• Article 21 establishes equal access to public services

• Article 27 recognizes the right to participate in cultural and public life. 

Together, these rights form the foundation for ensuring equitable access to information and services, including digital environments.

UN’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)(opens in a new tab), adopted by the United Nations in 2006, is an international human rights treaty that protects the rights of people with disabilities and addresses barriers to full participation in society. 

Article 9 of the CRPD requires governments to ensure accessibility to information and communication technologies (ICT), including websites, digital services, and online public resources. 

While the CRPD does not explicitly reference technical standards, its accessibility requirements broadly align with internationally recognized frameworks such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

United States Web Accessibility Laws 

Several U.S. laws require accessible digital services and information. While each web accessibility law applies to different sectors, most reference the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as the practical benchmark for digital accessibility.

Below, we cover six of the major accessibility acts in the U.S.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) - 1990

• Law Name: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Enactment Year: 1990

• WCAG Version Enforced: WCAG 2.2 Level AA

The American with Disabilities Act (ADA)(opens in a new tab) is a civil rights law that prohibits disability discrimination across public life. All organizations — regardless of their industry — are required to comply with the ADA Titles:

• Title II: Prohibits disability discrimination by state and local governments, and requires equal access to their public services, programs, and activities. 

• Title III: Prohibits discrimination in places of public accommodation — including websites and online spaces — meaning privately owned businesses must make them accessible to all users.

Though the ADA does not include technical compliance requirements, it reinforces WCAG standards, citing WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the minimum for ADA compliance.

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act - 1998

• Law Name: Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act

• Enactment Year: 1998 (amended 2017)

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires U.S. federal agencies to ensure that accessible electronic and information technology (EIT) they develop, procure, maintain, or use is accessible to employees and members of the public with disabilities. 

21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) - 2010

• Law Name: 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA)

• Enactment Year: 2010

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act(opens in a new tab) (CVAA) modernizes accessibility rules for digital communications and video programming, requiring accessible communication services and products, including websites, mobile apps, and browsers for people with disabilities. 

Under the CVAA, organizations must provide closed captioning for video programming, implement audio and video descriptions for video content, ensure assistive technology compatibility, make emergency information accessible, and more.

Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

• Law Name: Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

• Enactment Year: 1986

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

The Air Carrier Access Act(opens in a new tab) prohibits airline discrimination based on disability. In its commitment to making flying easier and more accessible to people with disabilities, the Department of Transportation requires airlines to make their automated kiosks and websites fully accessible.

Affordable Care Act - Meaningful Access Rule

• Law Name: Affordable Care Act (Section 1557)

• Enactment Year: 2010

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Section 1557 of the ACA prohibits discrimination in federally funded health programs and activities based on disability and other protected characteristics. The Meaningful Access Rule, issued by Health and Human Services (HHS), provides specific guidance for covered entities to ensure their digital services and health information are accessible.

For individuals with disabilities, healthcare providers must provide accessibility features on their websites, such as increasing font size, transferring text to a braille reader, text-to-speech capabilities, and more.

The Fair Housing Act

• Law Name: The Fair Housing Act (FHA)

• Enactment Year: 1968

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

The Fair Housing Act(opens in a new tab) (FHA) prohibits discrimination in housing-related activities and applies to digital spaces, requiring that online rental listings, mortgage applications, and real estate services be accessible and non-discriminatory.

European Union Web Accessibility Laws

Like the U.S., the European Union has established a comprehensive framework of international accessibility laws and standards to ensure equal access to digital products and services for all users. 

Key regulations and technical standards, including:

• European Accessibility Act (EAA)

• EN 301 549

• GDPR accessibility requirements,

These European accessibility standards form part of the broader landscape of international web accessibility laws, guiding businesses and governments in making websites, apps, and digital services accessible across the EU.

European Accessibility Act (EAA)

• Law Name: European Accessibility Act

• Enactment Year: 2025

• WCAG Version Referenced: None. Enforces POUR principles

The EAA(opens in a new tab) requires businesses selling products and services to EU customers (including hardware, software, and digital platforms)to ensure accessibility, regardless of the company’s headquarters location. Compliance with the EAA is critical,  as covered entities face penalties for non-compliance under national enforcement authorities. 

EN 301 549 - Harmonized Accessibility Standard

• Law Name: EN 301 549

• Enactment Year: 2014

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

EN 301 549(opens in a new tab) was developed under the guidance of European Commission Mandate 376 to harmonize ICT accessibility requirements across the EU.

EN 301 549 is a technical standard that bridges legal obligations of the EAA with accessibility requirements, using WCAG 2.1 Level AA as the foundation and including additional criteria such as biometric accessibility. It provides a common technical reference for developers and businesses across the EU.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - Accessibility Intersection

• Law Name: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

• Enactment Year: 2018

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The GDPR requires that privacy tools (including consent forms, cookie banners, and account settings) be accessible to all users. GDPR compliance(opens in a new tab) helps ensure individuals with disabilities can understand and exercise their data rights. 

International Accessibility Laws by Region

Many countries have incorporated WCAG into their legal frameworks, either by directly referencing it in accessibility laws or by aligning national policies with its guidelines. 

In this section, we’ve created an overview of web accessibility laws by country, their enactment year, the WCAG version they reference, and their scope.

Web Accessibility Laws in Europe

France

Law N° 2005-102

• Law Name: Law N° 2005-102

• Enactment Year: 2005 (updated in 2015)

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

Law N° 2005-102(opens in a new tab) ensures equal opportunities and participation for people with disabilities and requires all French government and public websites to meet accessibility standards.

Germany

Federal Disabled Equalization Law (BGG)

• Law Name: Federal Disabled Equalization Law (BGG)

• Enactment Year: 2002

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

BGG(opens in a new tab) requires agencies within the German federal administration with public-facing IT or internet services to ensure their information technology is barrier-free for people with disabilities.

Berlin Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV)

• Law Name: Berlin Barrier-Free Information Technology Ordinance (BITV)

• Enactment Year: 2002 (updated 2019 to BITV 2.0)

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Called the Barrierefreie-Informationstechnik-Verordnung(opens in a new tab) in German, the BITV ensures that individuals can easily access, understand, and use digital devices and content, including websites, mobile applications, and more. 

BITV 2.0 also requires websites to have an accessibility statement or declaration in a machine-readable format on their homepage and subsequent website pages.

Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG)

• Law Name: Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (BFSG), translates as the Accessibility Strengthening Act

• Enactment Year: 2025

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.2 Level AA

Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (Accessibility Strengthening Act) ensures that all German organizations comply with accessibility standards, including BITV and BGG requirements.

Ireland

Disability Act 2005

• Law Name: Ireland Disability Act 2005

• Enactment Year: 2005

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Level AA

The Disability Act (Republic of Ireland) establishes frameworks to assess the needs, services, and employment opportunities of people with disabilities, and creates the National Disability Authority and the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design(opens in a new tab).

Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies

• Law Name: Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information Provided by Public Bodies

• Enactment Year: 2006

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The National Disability Authority(opens in a new tab) (NDA) is an independent statutory board that advises the government and private sector on disability policies and procedures while promoting Universal Design. 

Italy

Law 4/2004 - “Stanca Law”

• Law Name: Stanca Law

• Enactment Year: 2004

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Level AA

Under the Stanca Law(opens in a new tab), government agencies in Italy must provide accessible technology and ensure their websites are free of barriers and compliant with accessibility standards.

The Netherlands

Digital Accessibility Decree

• Law Name: Temporary Decree on Digital Accessibility of the Government (Tijdelijk besluit digitale toegankelijkheid)

• Enactment Year: 2018

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The Digital Accessibility Decree(opens in a new tab) requires all public sector organizations to ensure their websites and mobile applications are accessible and usable by people with disabilities.

United Kingdom

Equality Act

• Law Name: U.K. Equality Act 2010

• Enactment Year: 2010

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.2 Level AA

The UK’s Equality Act is a Civil Rights Law that protects people from discrimination, requiring organizations and service providers to remove accessibility barriers in both physical and online spaces for individuals with disabilities.

British Standard 8878

• Law Name: British Standard Code of Practice 8878:2010 (BS 8878)

• Enactment Year: 2010

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

British Standard 8878,(opens in a new tab) was developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and provides guidance on making websites more accessible to people with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of designing and developing websites to be usable by as many people as possible.

Communications Act and OFCOM Regulations

• Law Name: The Communications Act 2003

• Enactment Year: 2003

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The UK Communications Act(opens in a new tab) regulates the UK communications industry (including broadcasting, telecommunications, spectrum management, and consumer protection) under a modernized regulatory framework.

The Office of Communication (OFCOM) enforces regulations, including broadcasting content standards, spectrum allocation, telecom infrastructure, and competition among service providers.

Spain

Law 51/2003 - “LIONDAU”

• Law Name: LIONDAU (Ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades, no Discriminación y accesibilidad Universal de las Personas con Discapacidad) or Law 51/2003

• Enactment Year: 2003

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Level AA

Spain’s Constitution, Law 51, helps ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunities and requires the government to provide accessible technologies and services in line with web accessibility standards. 

Sweden

Swedish Discrimination Act 

• Law Name: The Swedish Discrimination Act

• Enactment Year: 2008

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Sweden’s Discrimination Act(opens in a new tab) prohibits discrimination based on disability and includes accessibility as a key requirement for equal participation in society.

Act on Accessibility to Digital Public Services

• Law Name: The Swedish Act (2018:1937) on Accessibility to Digital Public Services

• Enactment Year: 2018

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The Accessibility Regulations for Public Digital Services mandate that public sector organizations must ensure their digital platforms are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, and provide accessibility statements outlining their compliance status.

Web Accessibility Laws in Asia

India

Indian Web Accessibility Guidelines

• Law Name: Indian Web Accessibility Guidelines

• Enactment Year: 2016

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

National Portal of India – Guidelines for Indian Websites(opens in a new tab) establishes accessibility standards for Indian government websites to ensure they are usable by people with disabilities.

Israel

Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities

• Law Name: The Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities Law

• Enactment Year: 1998

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

Enacted in 1998, the Israeli parliament (Knesset) passed the Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Law(opens in a new tab) to provide people with disabilities equal rights and protection in all aspects of society, from employment to housing. 

The Equal Rights for People with Disabilities (Service Accessibility Adjustments) Regulations 5773-2013

• Law Name: The Equal Rights for People with Disabilities (Service Accessibility Adjustments) Regulations 5773-2013

• Enactment Year: 2013

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

Equal Rights for People with Disabilities Regulations 5773-2013 require government agencies, municipalities, and public services to ensure their websites are accessible and free of barriers for people with disabilities.

Japan

The Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities

• Law Name: Japan’s Act on the Elimination of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities

• Enactment Year: 2013

• WCAG Version Referenced: Based on WCAG 2.0 Level AA, encourages WCAG 2.1 for public sector websites

The Act on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities(opens in a new tab) bans discrimination against people with disabilities and requires organizations to provide reasonable accommodations.

Japanese Industrial Standards

• Law Name: The Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) X8341-3

• Enactment Year: 2004

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level A and AA

The Web Content Japanese Industrial Standards(opens in a new tab) (JIS) provide organizations with standards for web accessibility, similar to WCAG.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai Universal Design Code

• Law Name: The Dubai Universal Design Code

• Enactment Year: 2017

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The Dubai Universal Design Code(opens in a new tab) requires government websites and digital services to be accessible to people with disabilities and serves as a model for inclusive digital accessibility across sectors.

Singapore

Digital Service Standards

• Law Name: Digital Service Standards (DSS)

• Enactment Year: 2018

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

Applies to Singapore government digital services and websites, establishing standards to ensure they are usable, inclusive, and accessible to the public in alignment with WCAG 2.1 principles.

South Korea

Korean Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

• Law Name: The Korean Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (KWCAG)

• Enactment Year: 2008

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities(opens in a new tab) mandates accessibility across various areas, including the digital domain. Under this law, government websites, public sector services, and large private companies must ensure their digital platforms comply with Korean Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(opens in a new tab) (KWCAG), which are based on WCAG 2.1.

Web Accessibility Laws in Africa

South Africa

Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA)

• Law Name: PEPUDA

• Enactment Year: 1996

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 / 2.2 Level AA

PEPUDA(opens in a new tab) prohibits discrimination and requires organizations to ensure digital services and content are inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities.

Web Accessibility Laws in The Americas

Canada

Canadian Human Rights Act

• Law Name: Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA)

• Enactment Year: 1977

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA required, with WCAG 2.1 Level AA encouraged

The Canadian Human Rights Act(opens in a new tab) prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability, in employment, services, facilities, and accommodations.

Government of Canada Web Standards

• Law Name: Government of Canada Web Standards

• Enactment Year: 2011 (updated 2013)

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA required, with WCAG 2.1 and 2.2 Level AA encouraged

The Government of Canada Web Standards(opens in a new tab) replaced the Government of Canada Common Look and Feel Standards of 2001, and require government websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. 

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

• Law Name: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) 2005

• Enactment Year: 2005

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

To achieve AODA compliance, this act requires public, large private, and non-profit organizations in Ontario to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities.

Accessible British Columbia Act (ABCA)

• Law Name: The Accessible British Columbia Act (ABCA)

• Enactment Year: 2021

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The ABCA(opens in a new tab) establishes accessibility standards across sectors in British Columbia, including digital services and websites, to identify, remove, and prevent barriers for people with disabilities.

Nova Scotia Accessibility Act

• Law Name: The Nova Scotia Accessibility Act

• Enactment Year: 2017

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.1 Level AA

The Nova Scotia Accessibility Act(opens in a new tab) requires public and private organizations to proactively identify and remove accessibility barriers, including in online services, to ensure full accessibility across the province.

Argentina

Law No. 26,653

• Law Name: Accessibility of Information in Web Pages

• Enactment Year: 2010

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0

Also called Argentina’s Comprehensive Protection System for Persons with Disabilities(opens in a new tab), Law No. 26,653 promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities by requiring individuals with disabilities to have accessible access to digital resources, public spaces, and services.

Web Accessibility Laws in Australia & Oceania

Australia

Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

• Law Name: Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

• Enactment Year: 1992

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.2 Level AA

The DDA 1992(opens in a new tab) prohibits direct and indirect discrimination and ensures equal rights for people with disabilities in employment, education, services, and community programs.

Broadcasting Services Act

• Law Name: Broadcasting Services Act (1992)

• Enactment Year: 1992

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.2 Level AA

The Australian Broadcasting Services Act(opens in a new tab) requires broadcasters to provide accessible services, including closed captioning, to ensure individuals with disabilities can access television programming.

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

• Law Name: Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)

• Enactment Year: 2005

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.2 Level AA

The ACMA(opens in a new tab) ensures that telecommunication and media providers comply with accessibility standards and deliver services effectively, responsibly, and inclusively.

Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy

• Law Name: Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy (NTS)

• Enactment Year: 2010

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.0 Level AA

The Web Accessibility National Transition Strategy(opens in a new tab) requires all government-owned and operated information and services across federal, state, and local levels to be accessible to people with disabilities.

New Zealand

Human Rights Amendment Act

• Law Name: Human Rights Act 1993

• Enactment Year: 1993

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG encouraged

The Human Rights Act(opens in a new tab) ensures equality and protects people from unlawful discrimination, promoting fair treatment for all individuals.

Web Accessibility Standards

• Law Name: New Zealand Web Accessibility Standard 1.2

• Enactment Year: 2013

• WCAG Version Referenced: WCAG 2.2 Level AA

Effective 2013, the New Zealand Web Accessibility Standards(opens in a new tab) require government websites accessible to the public to conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA and be usable by all individuals, including those outside the government.

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Disclaimer

This website includes general information about legal issues and developments in the law. Though provided in good faith that the information is accurate at publication, such materials are for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended and must not be taken as legal advice on particular facts or circumstances. Please contact a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction for advice on specific legal issues.