It’s Getting Serious: Accessibility is Becoming Law in Austria
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Austria’s Accessibility Act is here: Since June 28, 2025, digital accessibility is mandatory. This applies to online shops, booking websites, and a wide range of digital services.
Who is affected by the new Accessibility Act – and what does it mean in practice?
As of June 28, 2025, Austria's Accessibility Act (BaFG) is in effect. It requires many businesses to make their digital services and products accessible to everyone – regardless of whether users have physical, sensory, cognitive, or temporary limitations. The goal: to eliminate digital barriers and ensure equal access for all.
Importantly, the law applies not only to newly launched digital products and services, but also to existing ones that undergo significant changes after the effective date.
These digital areas must meet accessibility requirements by 2025:
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Webshops and E-Commerce
Online stores selling products or services to end customers must ensure that the entire shopping process is accessible – from product display to checkout.
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Online Booking Platforms
Websites used to book travel, events, accommodation, or appointments must be designed for intuitive and accessible use by all users.
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Mobile Applications (Apps)
Apps providing digital services to consumers must be fully accessible. This includes compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and well-structured content.
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Digital Financial Services and E-Book Platforms
Online banking, financial tools, and e-book readers must be designed so that they can be used independently by everyone, without special tools or external assistance.
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Self-Service Terminals in Public Spaces
Machines such as ATMs, ticket kiosks, or airport check-in terminals must be operable without outside help.
What does digital accessibility actually mean?
Digital accessibility means that websites, apps, and online services are easy to find, access, and use for all people – regardless of limitations. This includes not only people with permanent disabilities, but also those in situational or temporary limitations (e.g. poor lighting, noise, or injury).
Examples of accessible design include:
- Providing content through multiple sensory channels (e.g. text and audio)
- Clear layout and intuitive navigation
- High-contrast text and readable font sizes
Who is affected by the Accessibility Act?
Austria’s Accessibility Act applies to all businesses offering certain digital products or services – provided these are newly launched or significantly updated after June 28, 2025.
Specifically affected are:
- Businesses with online shops, booking platforms, or digital customer portals
- Providers of apps that offer services to consumers
- Operators of self-service terminals, such as ATMs or airport check-in machines
- Companies that offer digital media, financial services, or e-books
Temporarily exempt: Micro-enterprises that exclusively provide services, have fewer than 10 employees, and generate less than €2 million in annual revenue or balance sheet total are temporarily exempt from the requirements.
Important: This exception does not apply to businesses that manufacture or sell digital products. And exemption doesn’t mean immunity from competition – accessibility is rapidly becoming a key factor for digital success. Websites or apps that exclude people risk losing visibility, trust, and potential customers.
What Does the Accessibility Act Mean for Businesses – and What Needs to Be Done?
With Austria’s Accessibility Act (BaFG) coming into effect in June 2025, many businesses will face new legal obligations regarding the accessibility of their digital services. At the same time, this regulation presents a valuable opportunity: accessible design enhances user experience, builds trust, and can significantly expand your audience.
To comply with the BaFG, companies must thoroughly review their digital offerings – such as websites, mobile apps, and online platforms – and make adjustments where necessary. Accessibility is not just a technical matter; it also affects design, content, and overall usability.
Key actions to implement digital accessibility:
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Alternative text for images and videos
All visual content must include meaningful alt texts so that users with visual impairments can access the same information using screen readers.
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Sufficient color contrast
Texts, buttons, and navigation elements must offer clear contrast from their background to ensure readability for all users, especially those with low vision or when using mobile devices.
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Keyboard operability
All features and content must be fully usable via keyboard – crucial for users who cannot navigate with a mouse.
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Screen reader compatibility
Pages and interfaces must be structured logically, so screen readers can read content in the correct order – including navigation menus, forms, and interactive elements.
Why Getting Started with Digital Accessibility Early Pays Off
Taking action early on digital accessibility is not just about legal compliance – it's a strategic decision with long-term benefits. Companies that act proactively secure a lasting competitive advantage and strengthen their digital presence.
Key Benefits at a Glance:
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Avoiding heavy fines
Violations of the Accessibility Act can result in fines of up to €80,000. Acting early significantly reduces this risk.
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Wider reach and new target groups
Accessible digital offerings don’t just support people with disabilities – they also benefit older users, people with temporary limitations, or those in challenging environments (e.g., noise, glare, or poor connectivity).
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Better user experience and stronger customer loyalty
Accessibility means better structure, intuitive navigation, and faster loading times – leading to happier visitors and higher conversion rates.
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Positive impact on your brand image
Companies that prioritize accessibility demonstrate social responsibility, innovation, and future-readiness – values that matter to customers and business partners alike.
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SEO advantages
Accessible websites are technically clean, well-structured, and easier for search engines to understand – boosting visibility and rankings on Google and beyond.
Conclusion – Digital Accessibility Pays Off
Digital accessibility is more than a legal obligation – it's a mark of quality and a key to long-term success. While implementation may require some initial effort, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Companies that act now position themselves as modern, responsible, and future-proof.
Do you have questions about digital accessibility? We’re happy to support you.
Contact us-
What is the Accessibility Act (BaFG)?
The BaFG implements EU Directive 2019/882 and, from June 28, 2025, requires all providers of digital products and services in Austria to ensure accessibility. Goal: making digital services usable for everyone.
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Who is affected by the BaFG?
All companies with digital services such as webshops, apps, e-banking or self-service terminals. Exempt: micro-enterprises with fewer than 10 employees and turnover under €2 million, provided they do not produce digital products.
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What requirements does the BaFG set?
The BaFG follows WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards, including:
keyboard accessibility
alternative text for images & media
sufficient color contrast
screen reader compatibility
clear and robust content
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Are there transition periods or exemptions?
Yes:
Existing services: comply by June 28, 2030
New products or relaunches: accessible from June 28, 2025
Exemptions: micro-enterprises or disproportionate burden (with justification)
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What are the consequences of non-compliance?
Non-compliance is an administrative offense and may lead to fines of up to €80,000. In addition: lawsuits, reputational damage, loss of trust, and negative SEO effects.
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Why is digital accessibility worth it?
Accessibility prevents fines and strengthens your business through:
legal certainty
wider audience reach
stronger brand image
better user experience for everyone
