Is Your Mobile App Accessible? By Law, It Better Be!
As a mobile app owner, especially an app used by the public, such as in banking, fintech, or health, you need to pay attention to the European Accessibility Act (EAA). This legislation will soon determine whether you can continue operating your app in the EU.
A quick note: the EAA will apply to ANY software or firmware used by the public, so Web apps, POS terminals, ATMs, kiosks… This article simply focuses on what it means for mobile apps specifically.
What Is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The EAA is a directive from the European Union that aims to make a wide range of products and services, including mobile apps, accessible to people with disabilities. This means your app needs to be designed and developed so that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can use it effectively.
Why Does the EAA Matter to Your Mobile App?
If your app targets users in the EU, the EAA will apply to you. The principles are very similar to GDPR, which we’re all very familiar with. The Act sets mandatory accessibility requirements for various digital products and services, and mobile apps are definitely included.
The EAA becomes enforceable on June 28, 2025.
Don’t panic yet, though, there is a saving grace in the form of a transition period.
Key Implications for Your App:
Your mobile app must meet certain accessibility standards to comply with the EAA. It should be:
Perceivable: You must present information in ways all users can perceive – voiceover, font size customization, video captions, etc.
Operable: You should ensure keyboard navigation, provide enough time to interact with content, etc.
Understandable: Your app should use clear language and provide input assistance.
Robust: The content must be robust enough that various user agents (e.g. screen readers) can interpret it reliably.
Talking specifics, make sure your app aligns with these two documents:
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA (A and AAA are not crucial for accessibility requirements)
In the End, Your App and Users Benefit
While compliance is crucial to avoid penalties and legal action, there are benefits to making your app accessible beyond just ticking a regulatory box:
Improved User Experience: Accessibility features improve the experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. Clearer navigation, better contrast, and well-structured content benefit everyone.
Wider Audience Reach: By making your app accessible, you open it up to 101 million people with disabilities in the EU.
Enhanced Brand Reputation: Accessibility and inclusivity are good practices. Users appreciate that in a company and it reflects on their loyalty.
Innovation Driver: Focusing on accessibility can spark innovation in your app's design and functionality, leading to more user-friendly solutions.
June 2025 is Just Around the Corner!
The June 2025 deadline is fast approaching. Modifying existing mobile apps to meet accessibility standards can take anywhere from tens to hundreds of man-hours, depending on the app’s size and complexity and whether you’ve paid attention to accessibility in the past or not.
Don’t despair, however!
There is a 5-year transition period for products released before June 28, 2025.
That means your current apps, POS terminals, ATMs, etc., have 5 years to adopt the necessary accessibility features completely. Anything released after June 28 needs to include accessibility features already.
You might want to talk to your legal team to ensure it applies to your case. Local laws might affect this transition period.
What if you miss the deadline?
Missing the June 28 deadline means hefty fines. Local laws affect the amount you can be billed and vary from country to country.
Some examples from our research:
Austria: up to €80,000 according to the Barrierefreiheitsgesetz (BaFG).
Czech Republic: up to 10,000,000 CZK (€400,000) with various limits defined in the Act No. 99/2019 Coll.
Some countries haven’t yet implemented their own accessibility non-compliance laws (for example Hungary, Slovakia, or Croatia at the time of writing this article).
You should check with your legal team about the risks you might be facing.
Here are some immediate steps you can take:
Educate yourself: Familiarize yourself and your team with the EAA requirements and the WCAG 2.1 Level AA and EN 301 549 standards.
Assess your app: Conduct an accessibility audit of your current mobile app to identify any existing barriers. We can help you with that.
Check in with the legal team: Find out about local EAA non-compliance laws and how the transition period applies to you.
Plan for implementation: Develop a roadmap for incorporating accessibility features into your app.
Common Questions Answered
When does the EAA become enforceable? June 28, 2025.
What happens if my app isn't compliant by then? You might face a fine (e.g., in Austria up to €80,000) and you won’t be able to distribute your app in the EU.
Is there a grace period? If your app was released before June 28, 2025, a 5-year transition period might apply to you. Better check with your legal team.
What documents define EAA compliance? The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA and the European standard EN 301 549 V3.2.1.
How Panaxeo Can Help
Our design and engineering teams have painstakingly worked through both the WCAG 2.1 and EN 301 549 guidelines to help our banking and healthtech clients remain compliant.
If you need help understanding all the EAA requirements or want to be pointed in the right direction regarding your own app, contact Ivana and explain your issue.
Best not wait until the last minute! Assess your app and make sure the EAA won’t pose a problem for your business.