The European Accessibility Act is now enforceable across the EU. For digital businesses, there are no more excuses. Accessibility is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a legal obligation, and the consequences of non-compliance are stacking up fast.
The EAA sets a new bar for inclusive digital experiences, requiring websites, apps, and online services to meet clear accessibility standards. If your business operates in the EU and provides digital products or services, this legislation most likely applies to you. Ignorance is no longer a defence, and falling behind could cost more than you think.
Non-compliance brings legal and financial risk
Each EU member state has begun transposing the EAA into national law. While enforcement details vary, the direction is unified: penalties for digital inaccessibility are real, and remediation is expected. Fines, temporary sales bans, or government-mandated fixes are now legitimate risks for non-compliant businesses.
Some member states have already outlined specific timelines for when companies must demonstrate compliance. Others are linking digital accessibility to broader consumer protection laws. In all cases, legal accountability is increasing, and businesses without a compliance plan are exposed.
Accessibility gaps will disqualify you from procurement
If your business depends on public or enterprise contracts, accessibility is already a critical factor. Many public-sector tenders now require WCAG 2.1 AA compliance, or an equivalent standard, just to qualify. For vendors in SaaS, fintech, healthcare, education, transport, or civic platforms, inaccessibility can eliminate you before procurement even begins.
This is not theoretical. Vendors are already being disqualified from consideration due to inaccessible platforms or apps. Whether you’re selling into governments, universities, or regulated industries, accessibility can now make or break your deal pipeline.
Legal exposure and reputational fallout are growing
Of course, legal risks carry with them reputational danger. In the US, high-profile accessibility lawsuits have triggered public backlash and costly settlements. The Domino’s Pizza case, where a blind customer couldn’t order through the app, sparked a Supreme Court ruling that affirmed digital accessibility as a civil right.
The reputational damage in such cases is often greater than the legal cost. As accessibility awareness rises among users and regulators, exclusionary platforms are facing scrutiny not just from courts, but from the public and the press. Digital inaccessibility sends a negative message, especially when combined with legal attention.
Accessibility is now a compliance category
For years, accessibility lived in a UX or development silo. That’s no longer sustainable. Digital accessibility is now a core compliance issue similar to GDPR or cybersecurity. Insurance providers, legal teams, and enterprise buyers are all beginning to ask the same question: is your platform accessible, and can you prove it?
If you don’t know the answer, or if your documentation is thin, you're leaving the door open to audits, lawsuits, and lost business. Accessibility is now a baseline expectation in digital governance. Businesses that address it proactively will avoid unnecessary risk, and soon gain a competitive edge.
AccessPoint can help you understand exactly where you stand. Just get in touch today.