Who must comply?
The EAA affects businesses and organizations in the EU, as well as non-EU companies providing services to EU customers. Key sectors impacted include:
E-commerce
What’s covered
- Websites, mobile apps, and digital platforms for online shopping must be accessible at all stages of the customer journey.
Key impacts
- Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers). Simplify navigation, payment forms, and order confirmations.
Telecommunications
What’s covered
- Websites, apps, and online service channels must be accessible for account management and support services.
Key impacts
- Customer support platforms (e.g., chat services) must work with assistive technologies.
- Navigation and account management should be seamless for users with disabilities.
Banking and financial services
What’s covered
- Online banking platforms, apps, and payment services must be fully accessible.
Key impacts
- Core functionalities like balance checking, loan applications, and payment processing must support accessibility features.
- Ensure authentication methods (e.g., CAPTCHA) have alternatives.
Transportation
What’s covered
- Booking systems, real-time travel updates, and ticketing services (online and kiosk-based) must meet accessibility standards.
Key impacts
- Platforms should be compatible with assistive technologies. Real-time updates (e.g., delays or gate changes) must be available in accessible formats.
Public services
What’s covered
- Government portals and services like healthcare, social services, and public administration websites and apps.
Key impacts
- Accessible online applications for forms, document submissions, and appointment management.Self-service kiosks must also comply with accessibility standards.
Example
- A person using a keyboard-only setup should be able to apply for benefits and track their request without technical barriers.
Audiovisual media services
What’s covered
- TV, streaming platforms, and media services must provide accessibility features such as subtitles, audio descriptions, and sign language interpretation.
Key impacts
- Both the platform interface and the content must be accessible.Features like subtitles and audio descriptions must be easy to locate and enable.